It took just one month for Lionel Messi to turn MLS bottom side Inter Miami into League Cup champions, crowning a dream start to his new and ambitious football adventure on his continent.

“CHAMPIONSSS!!! Very happy about the first title in the history of this club. Everyone’s work and dedication made it possible,” the Argentine star wrote on Instagram after Saturday’s agonizing penalty shootout win against Nashville SC in the League Cup final.

“Let’s hope this is just the beginning… Let’s go @intermiamicf!!!!”, encouraged Messi who did not speak in the mixed zone after receiving the trophy at the Geodis Park stadium in Nashville (Tennessee).

At 36 years old and with the dream of winning the World Cup fulfilled, the Argentine star is fully enjoying his new life in the United States, away from the spotlight of the European leagues.

This week, in his only press conference in Miami, he reiterated that he was “very happy” and convinced of the wisdom of the decision he made with his family after going through a difficult stage at Paris Saint-Germain and rejecting a colossal offer from the powerful Saudi leagues.

The winner of seven Ballon d’Ors has convinced himself that he simply wants to “continue to enjoy football”, refusing that his signature has the lofty mission of giving the sport a definitive boost in the United States.

Despite this, the arrival of what is considered the best player in history generated an unprecedented phenomenon around ‘soccer’ strengthened by all the geniuses on the field of Messi, who did not take a minute to confirm that he did not go to Florida on vacation.

After surprising the world with his decision to play in the United States, Messi landed in Miami on July 11 and, with almost no training, made his debut ten days later, scoring the winner in a 2-1 penalty shoot-out against Cruz Azul.

After that impressive debut, the ’10’ went on to score in the next six League Cup games, including the final on Saturday, where he won the title and the individual awards for best player and top scorer.

Inter, followed by his former Barcelona partners Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, thus inaugurated his trophy after three years of languishing in MLS.

Messi “came to win, he came to compete. Busquets and Alba said the same. You can win and lose, but they came to compete and today it was their turn to win,” emphasized coach Gerardo Martino, also newly appointed in Miami.

Messi’s 10 goals, several of which saved Inter at crucial moments, were the best possible claim for Apple TV+, holder as of this year of exclusive MLS broadcast rights.

According to Jorge Mas, who co-owns Inter with David Beckham, the number of MLS season pass subscribers has doubled since Messi arrived.

“Seeing Lionel with that smile, seeing all the boys playing. This will be the first of many trophies for this team”, predicted an elated Jorge Mas in front of the press on Saturday.

Inter barely have time to celebrate winning the League Cup, a tournament that brought together 47 teams from MLS and the Mexican league for the first time, as they resume one of the other two competitions left this year on Wednesday.

Inter will seek a place in the finals of the US Open Cup, a smaller tournament on the North American calendar, at the Cincinnati FC stadium, and Messi’s MLS debut could take place on August 26 at the New York Red Bulls stadium.

In the North American league, Inter ranks last in the overall standings and in the last 12 games must return 12 points and get ahead of six franchises in order to qualify for the playoffs.

Either way, the Florida outfit booked their ticket to the Concacaf Champions Cup this week, allowing fans from North America, Central America and the Caribbean to enjoy Messi’s magic next year.

In addition to this tournament, which is the gateway to the coveted FIFA Club World Cup, the formula for Messi’s Inter to compete at the American level against Conmebol teams is also being studied. (D)