Leagues Cup 2023 Final: Nashville SC vs Inter Miami: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Published at :August 18, 2023 at 6:43 PM

Modified at :January 13, 2024 at 5:57 PM

Lionel Messi has a chance to win his first trophy with Inter Miami

Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami team are set to play in the Leagues Cup 2023 final against Nashville SC. This is just the third edition of the cup, and for the first time, two MLS teams are contesting the final.

The Leagues Cup is an annual association football club competition between the MLS and Liga MX clubs.

Lionel Messi has been a great addition to this Inter Miami’s squad. The Argentine has shown his class since joining the USA-based club. Miami are now in the final and aiming for their first major trophy. Nashville SC was founded in 2016 and they too have a short history in US soccer.

Nashville SC started their Leagues Cup 2023 campaign with a win over Colorado Rapids. A defeat followed this win in their second group match. They won their four knockout matches, with two wins coming in a penalty shootout.

Inter Miami, on the other hand, are undefeated in the tournament. They have been dominant since Messi’s arrival and scored at least three goals in every match when Leo started. Miami carry this momentum into the final and will look to outscore their opponents.

Kick-off

Sunday, 20 August 2023, 01:00 AM (GMT); 06:30 AM (IST) at Geodis Park, Nashville, Tennessee.

Form

Nashville SC (in all competitions): W-W-W-W-L

Inter Miami (in all competitions): W-W-W-W-W

Player to watch

Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC)

The former Benfica playmaker has been a great addition to the team. He joined the MLS club in 2020 and has been one of the top contributors on the side. This season Hany Mukhtar has played 24 MLS games and scored 13 times. The 28-year-old has also created seven goals. In the Leagues Cup, Mukhtar has contributed to seven goals. These include two goals and five assists. He will look to make an impact in the final and take his side to glory.

Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)

Lionel Messi has shown his class in the United States. Messi has haunted the defences by showing his skills and scoring goals from long-range efforts. In just six Leagues Cup games, the Argentine has scored nine goals and provided one assist. The 36-year-old has scored in every game he has featured in for Miami. Messi will surely eye another silverware.

Match facts for Nashville SC vs Inter Miami

MLS team will be crowned as the Leagues Cup champion for the first time.
Nashville SC have scored 15 goals in the competition and Inter Miami have scored 21 goals.
Both teams have never won a major title in their short history.

Injury and team news

Nick DePuy is still out with an injury for Nashville.

Inter Miami will be without the likes of Franco Negri, Corentin Jean, Jean Mota and Gregore. They will look to go with the same team that played the semifinal tie.

Head to Head

Matches: 8

Nashville SC: 4

Inter Miami: 2

Draw: 2

Predicted lineup

Nashville SC

E. Panicco (GK), Lovitz, Zimmerman, MacNaughton, Moore, Shaffelburg, Godoy, McCarty, Muyl, Mukhtar, Surridge

Inter Miami

D. Callender (GK), Alba, Miller, Kryvtsov, Yedlin, Cremaschi, Busquets, Arroyo, Taylor, Martinez, Messi

Match prediction

Inter Miami signed one of the greatest footballers of all time, and he has proved to be the difference. Lionel Messi has changed the fortunes at the club, and the addition of Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets adds more experience to the team. From a struggling side, they are now becoming a champion side. However, it won’t be easy for them to beat Nashville, who are also on a decent run.

Lionel Messi and Co. are the favourites to win the match. They have been playing differently ever since the Argentine stepped on the field for Miami.

Prediction: Nashville SC 1-3 Inter Miami

Telecast

India- Apple TV+

UK- Apple TV+

US- Apple TV+, FuboTV

Nigeria- Apple TV+

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