‘There is only one’ - David Beckham salutes magical Lionel Messi as ‘leader’ guides Inter Miami into another Leagues Cup final

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi put on another match-winning clinic during his latest outing for the Herons. With inspiration required from somewhere heading into the closing stages of a Leagues Cup clash with Orlando City, the mercurial 38-year-old stepped up once again.

He converted from the penalty spot, restoring parity after Orlando were reduced to 10 men, before firing Inter Miami in front two minutes from time. Telasco Segovia netted a third for the Herons to wrap up a 3-1 victory.

Messi sat out a 4-1 defeat to the same opposition in mid-August, as he nursed an untimely injury, but was ready when required with more major silverware up for grabs. Inter Miami are into another Leagues Cup final, having previously claimed a historic title in that competition back in 2023 - a matter of weeks after Messi’s arrival in South Florida.

Beckham has been watching on from afar of late, as he holidays in Italy with his family, with the Manchester United and England legend delighted to catch a glimpse of Messi enhancing his legacy. He posted “our leader” and “there is only one” messages on social media.

Inter Miami are set to face the Seattle Sounders on Sunday with another major honour in their sights. Messi will look to lead by example, with the Argentine GOAT already the most decorated player of all-time.