2023 Leagues Cup Final: Inter Miami CF Claims Historic First Trophy
The 2023 Leagues Cup culminated in a high-stakes showdown on August 19, 2023, as Inter Miami CF faced off against Nashville SC. This third edition of the tournament marked a significant milestone, expanding to include all 47 clubs from Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX. The final, hosted at Geodis Park in Nashville, Tennessee, pitted two 2020 MLS expansion teams against each other, both hungry for their first competitive trophy.
Key Facts
- Winner: Inter Miami CF (won 10–9 on penalties after a 1–1 draw).
- Venue: Geodis Park, Nashville, Tennessee (Attendance: 30,109).
- Man of the Match: Drake Callender (Inter Miami CF).
- Top Scorer: Lionel Messi (10 goals).
- Prize Money: Inter Miami CF earned $2 million.
- Qualification: Both finalists qualified for the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup.
The Road to the Final
The 2023 Leagues Cup was a massive undertaking, pausing the regular seasons of both MLS and Liga MX to allow for a month-long competition hosted across the United States and Canada. The tournament began with a group stage in mid-July and progressed through a knockout format.
Inter Miami CF's Ascent
Inter Miami's journey was defined by the arrival of Lionel Messi. Making his debut against Cruz Azul, Messi scored a stoppage-time free kick to secure a 2–1 victory. He quickly formed a potent attacking partnership with Robert Taylor, helping Miami dominate their group with a 4–0 win over Atlanta United FC.
Nashville SC's Path
Nashville SC utilized their home-field advantage and defensive resilience to reach the final. Their journey included a tense penalty shootout victory over FC Cincinnati and a hard-fought win against Club América in the round of 16.
Match Analysis: A Battle of Nerves
The final was a tightly contested affair. Lionel Messi opened the scoring for Inter Miami in the 23rd minute, but Nashville SC fought back, with Fafà Picault equalizing in the 57th minute. Despite several chances for both sides, the match remained locked at 1–1 through regulation and extra time.
The deadlock was finally broken in a dramatic penalty shootout. In a marathon session, Inter Miami CF emerged victorious with a 10–9 win. Goalkeeper Drake Callender proved pivotal, making crucial saves and scoring the deciding penalty to secure the title.
The atmosphere at Geodis Park—the largest soccer-specific stadium in the U.S.—was electric, with ticket prices on secondary markets reaching as high as $12,000 due to the "Messi effect."
Tournament Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | August 19, 2023 |
| Final Score | 1–1 (Inter Miami won 10–9 on penalties) |
| Venue | Geodis Park, Nashville, TN |
| Attendance | 30,109 |
| Referee | Ismail Elfath (USA) |
| Weather | Clear, 80 °F (27 °C) |
Post-Match Impact
The victory marked the first trophy in the history of Inter Miami CF. Beyond the $2 million prize, the club earned a direct spot in the round of 16 for the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup. Lionel Messi was named the tournament's Best Player, finishing as the top scorer with 10 goals and maintaining a scoring streak in seven consecutive matches.
The rivalry continued into March 2024, when the two teams met again in the CONCACAF Champions Cup round of 16. Inter Miami CF advanced with a 5–3 aggregate score following a 2–2 draw in Nashville and a 3–1 win at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2023 Leagues Cup?
Inter Miami CF won the 2023 Leagues Cup, defeating Nashville SC 10–9 in a penalty shootout after the match ended in a 1–1 draw.
Who was the Man of the Match in the final?
Inter Miami CF goalkeeper Drake Callender was named Man of the Match for his critical saves and for scoring the winning penalty.
How many goals did Lionel Messi score in the tournament?
Lionel Messi was the tournament's top scorer, netting a total of 10 goals.
What was the significance of this win for Inter Miami CF?
This victory represented the first competitive trophy won by Inter Miami CF since joining MLS as an expansion team in 2020.
Where was the final match played?
The final was held at Geodis Park in Nashville, Tennessee, which is the largest soccer-specific venue in the United States.