Lionel Messi hands Inter Miami’s former skipper DeAndre Yedlin the captain’s armband before they lift the Leagues Cup trophy together
- Yedlin captained Inter Miami all season before Messi arrived
- The inaugural Leagues Cup trophy was the first title ever won by Inter Miami
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Following Inter Miami’s monumental victory over Nashville in the Leagues Cup final, Lionel Messi showed why he is one of the most beloved players in all of football with a humble moment with teammate DeAndre Yedlin.
The 30-year-old US international captained the Miami side all season before handing over the armband following the arrival of Messi.
However, following Miami’s triumph, Messi ensured the former captain was recognised.
The World Cup winner presented Yedlin with the armband to wear as the team took the stage to collect the trophy.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner also gestured to Yedlin to be the one to lift the trophy as Miami celebrated the team’s first title in franchise history.
Lionel Messi gave DeAndre Yedlin(R) the armband and told him to lift the Leagues Cup trophy
Yedlin captained Inter Miami for the regular season before Messi’s arrival
Yedlin made more than 20 appearances as Miami skipper before Messi’s groundbreaking takeover.
He has also recently seen himself thrust into a leadership role with the USMNT as he was one of the few veteran players named to America’s 2023 Gold Cup roster.
Like Messi, Yedlin successfully cleared his penalty in the very intense shootout that followed after the game ended in a 1-1 draw.
Miami had spent most of the big bouts under pressure from Nashville and were easily second before Messi scored an excellent goal in the 23rd minute of the action.
Nashville fought back relentlessly to tie the game after Fafa Picault scored from a corner with his header ricocheting off goalkeeper Drake Callender before making its way to the back of the net.
Miami had just won its first trophy in team history after winning the inaugural Leagues Cup
The penalty shootout that followed regulation continued until the 11th round and saw both goalkeepers step to the spot before a winner was determined, with Drake Callender saving the spot kick from Nashville’s shotstopper Elliot Panicco.
Yedlin, Messi and the rest of Miami will now turn to an even tougher task as they try to save the pathetic season in the MLS.
The poor play that plagued Miami throughout this year’s MLS season before Messi’s arrival has left the team in last place in the league with 18 points and a record of 5-3-14.
However, Miami’s next game will not be a league game as the team must first turn their attention to the US Open Cup when they will play in Cincinnati on August 23.