With a modest moment with teammate DeAndre Yedlin following Inter Miami’s historic victory over Nashville in the Leagues Cup final, Lionel Messi demonstrated why he is one of the most popular soccer players.

Prior to passing the leadership to Messi, the 30-year-old American international had led Miami’s team for the entirety of the previous campaign.

However, Messi made sure the former captain was acknowledged after Miami’s victory.

Yedlin received the armband from the World Cup champion to wear when the team ascended the podium to accept the championship.  As Miami celebrated the team’s first championship in club history, the seven-time winner of the Ballon d’Or also motioned for Yedlin to receive the honor of lifting the trophy.Before the game-changing signing of Messi, Yedlin led Miami in more than 20 outings.Being one of the few older players selected for the USMNT’s 2023 Gold Cup roster has also recently forced him into a leadership position with the team.Yedlin was able to convert his penalty kick during the dramatic shootout that followed the game’s 1-1 draw, much like Messi did.Before Messi’s stunning goal in the 23rd minute of play, Miami had been easily second best for the majority of the long stretches that Nashville had put them under siege.After Fafa Picault scored on a corner kick and his header deflected off goalie Drake Callender before finding the back of the net, Nashville fought back tenaciously to draw the game.