Messi Magic Lifts Inter Miami to Leagues Cup Title

Teammates hold up Inter Miami's Argentine forward #10 Lionel Messi as they celebrate after winning the Leagues Cup final football match against Nashville SC at Geodis Park in Nashville, Tennessee, on August 19, 2023. (AFP)
Teammates hold up Inter Miami's Argentine forward #10 Lionel Messi as they celebrate after winning the Leagues Cup final football match against Nashville SC at Geodis Park in Nashville, Tennessee, on August 19, 2023. (AFP)
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Messi Magic Lifts Inter Miami to Leagues Cup Title

Teammates hold up Inter Miami's Argentine forward #10 Lionel Messi as they celebrate after winning the Leagues Cup final football match against Nashville SC at Geodis Park in Nashville, Tennessee, on August 19, 2023. (AFP)
Teammates hold up Inter Miami's Argentine forward #10 Lionel Messi as they celebrate after winning the Leagues Cup final football match against Nashville SC at Geodis Park in Nashville, Tennessee, on August 19, 2023. (AFP)

Inter Miami beat Nashville SC in a thrilling Leagues Cup final on Saturday after a 1-1 tie was settled by a marathon 10-9 penalty shootout as Lionel Messi extended his winning streak with the MLS side to seven games.

Messi opened the scoring in the 23th minute, notching his 10th goal since joining the team with a blistering shot from distance past multiple defenders and into the top left corner of the net.

Nashville's Fafa Picault leveled for the home team in the 57th minute and both teams came agonizingly close to taking the lead in the rollercoaster second half.

In the shootout, Nashville goalkeeper Elliot Panicco missed the final kick of the night to deliver Inter Miami, who joined the league in 2020, their first trophy.

Messi's overjoyed teammates lifted the Argentine in the air as ecstatic Miami co-owner David Beckham raised his arms above his head in triumph.



Saudi Arabia to Host Spanish Super Cup for 5th Time

Real Madrid won the fourth edition of the Spanish Super Cup in Riyadh earlier this year. (SPA)
Real Madrid won the fourth edition of the Spanish Super Cup in Riyadh earlier this year. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia to Host Spanish Super Cup for 5th Time

Real Madrid won the fourth edition of the Spanish Super Cup in Riyadh earlier this year. (SPA)
Real Madrid won the fourth edition of the Spanish Super Cup in Riyadh earlier this year. (SPA)

The Saudi Ministry of Sport announced on Friday that the Kingdom will host the Spanish Super Cup football competitions for the fifth time.

Real Madrid, Barcelona, Athletic Bilbao and Real Mallorca will play a knockout tournament at Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports City Stadium between January 8 and 12, 2025.

Real Madrid will face Real Mallorca on January 8, while Barcelona will play against Athletic Bilbao the following day. The winners of each match will advance to the final, scheduled for January 12.

Saudi Arabia hosted four previous editions of the Spanish Super Cup, including in 2020, when Real Madrid won the title after defeating Atlético Madrid.

The second edition, held in 2022, was played in Riyadh, with Real Madrid claiming the title. Barcelona won the third edition by defeating Real Madrid, while Real Madrid lifted the cup in the fourth edition in Riyadh earlier this year.

The Kingdom's hosting of the Spanish Super Cup, part of the Quality of Life Program, reflects Saudi Arabia's success in attracting major regional and international events. This aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 goal to develop and grow the sports sector.