Following an excellent victory over Philadelphia Union, Lionel Messi scored once more to help Inter Miami go to the Leagues Cup final. He did this by encouraging his teammates and exhibiting captaincy qualities.

Inter Miami made the right decision in designating Lionel Messi captain, as he is already demonstrating.

Messi joined the MLS squad last month and has already had a huge impact, scoring nine goals in six games and leading the team to an undefeated record. And while Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, Miami’s three newcomers, have undoubtedly all left a lasting effect on the club, other players around them have also significantly stepped up.

One of them, Josef Martinez, a striker, was traded to the side earlier this year by Atlanta United after several seasons as one of the league’s top scorers. Martinez has made an impression, but until Messi joined, he had been having trouble.

Although Messi was supposed to be the team’s penalty taker, he recently gave the ball to Martinez for two penalties to assist him rebuild his confidence. Both people had witnessed the striker’s goal.

Martinez has since returned to his prime. With his lightning-quick pace, he’s been on fire and a great complement to Messi.

Another member of the team, Noah Allen, got into a fight with Philadelphia Union midfielder Jose Martinez during the game against that team. Once more displaying his leadership abilities, Messi reacted angrily and dashed over to defend his new friend.

In recent weeks, it has been easy to sense the relief on Martinez’ face as Messi has continued to dominate and inspire his squad. Messi’s goal in the victory over the Union was exceptional because he fired the ball home from a tremendous distance of 36 yards.

Since a 38.8-yard free-kick he scored against Real Mallorca 11 years prior, this was Messi’s longest goal in a club game.

Miami will now compete against Nashville SC, which defeated Monterrey 2-0 in the other semifinal, in the championship game on Saturday night. The 42nd final of Messi’s illustrious career will take place in this, the club’s first-ever cup final.

Miami has qualified for the CONCACAF Champions Cup regional tournament for the upcoming season as a result of the outcome.

“Our goal was to qualify for international competition next season and we’ve done that,” Inter Miami manager Gerardo Martino remarked. We are really motivated and confident as we prepare to win this event.

We are really driven and confident as a result, but we aren’t letting it get in the way of what we need to do as a team to improve. We do not equate our current level of accomplishment with the fact that we still have a long way to go.