The character of Messi! Before accepting the record-breaking trophy, he handed the armband to the former Inter Miami captain, they lifted the trophy together

Lionel Messi has had another exceptional night. He won his first trophy in an Inter Miami jersey, which is also a record. But did he steal all the attention for himself? He didn’t. He made one of his teammates happy with a beautiful gesture.

Like a wave of a wand, the worst team in the American top flight became a team that could defy the odds and challenge for a spot in the MLS playoffs. Lionel Messi has turned Inter Miami beyond recognition.

While the Argentine phenom hasn’t played in MLS yet, he and his teammates have conquered the Leagues Cup, a competition that pits teams from the top Mexican and American leagues.

On his way to victory, Messi became the competition’s top player and top scorer. He scored in every match, netting 10 goals in total. In the final match, he converted a penalty in addition to his goal in normal time.

Two facts in particular are worth mentioning. For Inter Miami, this is the first trophy in the club’s history. Messi won trophy number 44, officially becoming the footballer with the most trophies in football history.

But the holder of seven Ballon d’Or really enjoys playing in Florida to the maximum and it looks like it. No excessive pressure, total relaxation and a frequent smile on his face. That’s Messi in Miami. What a difference against Paris.

So when he could have stolen all the attention for himself, he chose to do the opposite. Before accepting the trophy himself, he approached former Inter Miami captain DeAndre Yedlin. He was captain until Messi came along.

The Argentine handed the captain’s armband to the full-back, and together they walked to the trophy, carried it to their teammates and raised the trophy above their heads together. A beautiful gesture.

Source: MLS, Leagues Cup, Transfermarkt