"He does it match after match" - Inter Miami boss lauds Lionel Messi as 'the best player in the world' after Leagues Cup triumph
Inter Miami manager Gerardo 'Tata' Martino heaped praise on Lionel Messi after the Argentinian icon led the Herons to Leagues Cup glory on Saturday (August 19).
The Florida-based club faced MLS rivals Nashville SC in the final at Geodis Park. The game to penalties after the two teams played out a 1-1 draw in regulation time. The Herons won 10-9 in a thrilling shootout.
Lionel Messi dazzled for Inter Miami once again, scoring their only goal in regulation time with a stunning long-range effort. The superstar also did not shy away from taking responsibility as captain, converting the team's first spot-kick in the shootout.
The triumph in Nashville saw Inter Miami, who're co-owned by Manchester United legend David Beckham, win their first-ever trophy in their five-year history. It also marked Messi's 44th major trophy, making him the most decorated player of all time.
Martino said that he's no longer surprised by Messi's performances, as the Argentinian icon does it game after game. The Inter Miami manager also lauded La Pulga as the best player in the world.
"When you say Leo (Lionel Messi), you say the best player in the world, there is no greater praise than that," Martino said (h/t Argentinian television channel TyC Sports). "He does it match after match. He has come to win, he has come to compete."
Martino added that the trio of Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba have given the Herons an identity:
"Busquets and Alba have said the same thing. They have come to compete, you can win and lose, but they have sold to compete and today they had to win.
"They give the team an identity and what I have to do is follow the characteristics of the three of them and add to the rest."
Martino previously worked with Messi, Busquets and Alba during his time as Barcelona manager in the 2013-14 season. He also served as Argentina's coach between 2014 and 2016.
How did Lionel Messi fare in the Leagues Cup final?
Lionel Messi started alongside Josef Martinez and Robert Taylor in attack against Nashville. He was one of the best players on the pitch, earning a 7.9 rating on FotMob. Only goalkeeper Drake Callender received a higher rating than the superstar among Herons players.
The 36-year-old had three shots in the game, with one finding the back of the net and another hitting the woodwork. He also completed 35 passes, including one long ball, with 83% accuracy. It included eight passes into the final third, but none of them were goalscoring chances.
Messi registered 58 touches of the ball but was only dispossessed thrice. The former Barcelona superstar contributed in defense as well, winning one tackle and four ground duels. He also recovered the ball on three occasions.