Messi becomes most decorated player in football history after Leagues Cup win

Lionel Messi became the most decorated player in soccer history Saturday following Inter Miami's Leagues Cup victory.

By spearheading the MLS side's quest for its first-ever trophy, the World Cup winner made history of his own,

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner clinched the 44th title of glittering career, stretching from 2004 to 2023.

The Leagues Cup is his first trophy on American soil and comes just over a month since his arrival in South Florida.

It joins an almost over-flowing trophy cabinet, including 10 La Liga titles, four Champions League wins, seven Copa Del Reys, eight Spanish Super Cups, three FIFA Club World Cups, three UEFA Super Cups, the FIFA World Cup, the Finalissima, the Copa America, an Olympic Gold, a U20 World Cup, two Ligue 1 titles and one Trophée de Champions.

The new piece of silverware sees him break the deadlock with former Barcelona teammate Dani Alves, who had claimed 43 trophies throughout his career.

Messi scored early in regulation and converted the first shot in penalty kicks as Inter Miami beat Nashville SC 10-9 on penalties in the Leagues Cup final on Saturday night.

Messi scored for the 10th time in seven games since joining Inter Miami, converting in the 23rd minutes.

The ball landed at Messi´s feet after a pass from teammate Robert Taylor was blocked.

Messi dribbled past Nashville defender Walker Zimmerman and unleashed a bending shot from just outside the penalty box into the top left corner of the goal. Diving goalkeeper Elliot Panicco had no chance at playing the ball.

Nashville fans had booed Messi on his previous touches of the ball, but the stadium erupted in cheers when the seven-time Ballon d´Or winner who led Argentina to the World Cup crown last year scored.

Messi had a shot from a similar position in the 71st minute, but hit the post as the teams played to a 1-1 draw in regulation.

Messi calmly converted the first shot in penalties as Miami claimed its first trophy - and his 44th.