Moments ago, Lionel Messi lifted his first-ever piece of silverware with Inter Miami. Their Leagues Cup final against Nashville went right down to the wire and the result was down to a thrilling penalty shootout. While the fans couldn’t stop lauding the Argentine soccer legend, a renowned NBA veteran who attempted to poke fun at the World Cup winner before the final posted a two-worded statement of respect.

This particular NBA star was at the game because of his link with Nashville. Strangely, he performed the iconic Ronaldo ‘SIUU’ celebration in front of the crowd. It turned out to be a surprise for everyone but it didn’t really seem to bother Ronaldo’s biggest rival. Without a doubt, Messi’s Inter Miami were the ultimate favorites to win the competition but at one point, anything could have happened!

Renowned NBA veteran pays respects to Lionel Messi!

While the fans go berserk over Inter Miami winning their first-ever trophy, another person has gone viral too. Unexpectedly, NBA veteran Giannis Antetokounmpo is in the news headlines because of his actions. The NBA veteran is a part-owner of Nashville and had come to witness the nail-biter. However, he shockingly did Ronaldo’s ‘SIUU’ celebration after greeting the crowd.

It was a strange gesture at a Lionel Messi final but time would tell if that action was really funny, or not. The fanbase and the NBA legend had a clearer picture and answer at the end of the game. The basketballer seemed to have written the note the respect before the fan’s criticism started to pour in. After Inter Miami lifted the trophy, Antetokounmpo immediately wrote, “Messi. Respect 🙏🏾🙏🏾”.

Weeks after his debut in the US, most of the soccer fanbase in America is still in awe of Messi. Mainly because he’s suddenly made this sport entertaining for them. Millions of fans tune in every week to watch the World Cup winner dominating games in his pink jersey. But the final that he just played wasn’t a domination game. Instead, it went down right to the wire! Let’s dive deeper.

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How did Lionel Messi’s Leagues Cup final pan out?

Beckham’s Inter Miami won its first-ever trophy with Messi at the helm in dramatic fashion. The Argentine soccer legend continued his goal-scoring streak since his debut by scoring in this game too! He scored the first goal of the Leagues Cup final in the 23rd minute. After that, there was no goal for a long-long time. At the break, the Miami-based club was hanging on to a narrow lead.

But that lead wouldn’t last any longer. Messi’s side conceded from a set piece, the goal was registered as an own-goal by Drake Callender. In search of a possible winner, Campana was inches away from stealing the game in stoppage time. But a penalty shootout was seemingly written in the stars. Both sides missed a penalty each during the normal round of penalty kicks. The game then ventured into sudden death.

After six rounds of an enthralling penalty shootout, the game finally had a winner. And guess who scored the winner for Inter Miami and blocked out the opposition, Drake Callender! Truly, what a game and what a moment for soccer in America!

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What do you think of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s gesture against Messi and his U-turn statement after the game? Let us know in the comments below.