Leagues Cup 2023: Inter Miami CF Claims Historic First Title
The 2023 Leagues Cup marked a transformative moment in North American soccer. Held from July 21 to August 19, 2023, this third edition of the international club tournament saw an unprecedented expansion, bringing together every single team from Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX. Sanctioned by CONCACAF—the continental governing body for North America, Central America, and the Caribbean—the competition paused both league seasons to determine the ultimate champion across 30 host cities in the United States and Canada.
Key Facts
- Champions: Inter Miami CF (their first title).
- Top Performer: Lionel Messi won both the Best Player and Top Scorer awards with 10 goals.
- Scale: 47 teams competed across 77 matches.
- Attendance: A total of 1,328,669 fans attended, averaging 17,255 per match.
- Stakes: The top three teams earned berths to the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Tournament Format and Structure
For the first time, all 47 clubs participated. To reward previous success, the 2022 MLS Cup winners (Los Angeles FC) and the top-ranked Liga MX champion (Pachuca) received automatic byes to the round of 32.
The remaining 45 teams were divided into 15 groups of three. Teams played a single round-robin (a format where every team plays every other team in their group once), with the top two from each group advancing to the knockout stage. Ties in the group stage were broken using a specific hierarchy: total points, goal differential, goals scored, goals conceded, and finally, a fair play table based on disciplinary cards.
The Knockout Phase
The knockout stage consisted of a five-round single-leg format. To ensure fairness and logistical efficiency, hosting duties were determined by group performance and regular-season standings. Notably, in matches between MLS and Liga MX clubs, the MLS team always hosted, while matches between two Liga MX teams were held at neutral venues.
The Road to the Final
The tournament was defined by high-scoring drama, averaging 3.26 goals per match. Inter Miami CF's journey was particularly cinematic, culminating in a tense final against Nashville SC on August 19.
The final ended in a 1-1 draw after regulation time, with goals from Lionel Messi and Fafà Picault. The championship was decided by a marathon penalty shoot-out, which Inter Miami CF won 10-9. This victory granted them automatic advancement to the round of 16 of the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Tournament Summary
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Champions | Inter Miami CF |
| Runners-up | Nashville SC |
| Third Place | Philadelphia Union |
| Fourth Place | Monterrey |
| Best Player / Top Scorer | Lionel Messi (10 goals) |
| Best Goalkeeper | Drake Callender |
Marketing Impact and Controversies
The tournament's commercial success was heavily tied to the arrival of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami CF. His debut sparked a massive surge in viewership, including an increase of 110,000 subscriptions to the MLS Season Pass in the United States on the day of his first match. The event was further branded with the official song "Tiki Taka Toco" by the group Fuerza Regida.
However, the event was not without friction. Liga MX clubs expressed frustration over the travel burden. The 18 Mexican teams traveled over twice the distance of the MLS and Canadian teams—approximately 69,495 km compared to 33,995 km. The president of Club Monterrey specifically criticized the disparity, noting that while his team traveled over 9,000 km, some MLS teams never left their home metropolitan area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2023 Leagues Cup?
Inter Miami CF won the tournament, securing their first title after defeating Nashville SC in a penalty shoot-out.
How many goals did Lionel Messi score?
Lionel Messi finished as the tournament's top scorer with 10 goals and was also named the best player.
What were the rewards for the top three teams?
The champions, runners-up, and third-place team all earned berths to the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup, with Inter Miami CF advancing directly to the round of 16.
Which teams received a bye to the round of 32?
Los Angeles FC (2022 MLS Cup winners) and Pachuca (top-ranked Liga MX champion) qualified automatically for the knockout stage.
Why was there controversy regarding the Liga MX teams?
The controversy centered on travel distances, as Liga MX clubs traveled more than double the distance of the MLS and Canadian teams to compete in the tournament.