Inter Miami recorded yet another dramatic cup victory, scoring a last-minute equaliser against Cincinnati in the U.S. Open Cup before winning on penalties.
It was the first game since his arrival that Lionel Messi did not score in, but he did provide a stunning assist for Leo Campana’s late equaliser, as he headed home in the 97th minute to help take the game to extra time.
Miami had found themselves 2-0 down at the hour mark, but came back to level the scores, before going 3-2 up and relinquishing their lead.
Nevertheless, it was yet another stunning victory, and the club are still unbeaten since Messi’s arrival.
Campana has since stated that Messi always believed in the team’s quality to win, and the 36-year-old captain made his feelings known at half-time of extra time.
“He told us to have faith,” Campana stated after the game.
“He told us that we were going to win. That after all the work we’d done on the field, that we would never fail.
“It’s the kind of leader he is, he wants to speak in every game, every training, every championship match.”
Messi’s leadership role
Messi took over DeAndre Yedlin as Inter Miami captain when he arrived at the club, but shared the glory with the USA international following the Leagues Cup victory, and he is clearly relishing his role as the main leader.
During his time at Barcelona, the likes of Carlos Puyol, Xavi and Andres Iniesta wore the armband before he took on the role during his latter days at the club.
Whilst Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba are also at the club, having captained Barcelona in the past, it is clear that Messi is the leader both on and off the pitch, and the Miami players have benefitted from his influence.
This represents a new challenge for Messi, and one he has not encountered before. In his previous endeavours he would have to lead a squad of big characters and world-class players on the pitch. Right now, he has to lead both by example and with his words.