"He respects everybody" - Inter Miami goalkeeper lauds Lionel Messi for handing captain armband to DeAndre Yedlin after Leagues Cup win
Inter Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender has explained that Lionel Messi handing the captain's armband to DeAndre Yedlin before the Herons lifted the Leagues Cup is a testament to his humility.
Gerardo Martino's side beat Nashville SC 10-9 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time to win the Leagues Cup on Saturday (August 19). It took Lionel Messi, who arrived on a free transfer in July, less than a month to win his first trophy with the Major League Soccer club.
Messi netted Miami's goal in regulation time and also took responsibility as team captain by taking and converting the side's first penalty in the shootout. He later showed his class by handing the captain's armband to Yedlin, who led the team prior to his arrival, before lifting the cup.
Callender has now reflected on Messi's gesture towards Yedlin, saying that it is a sign that the Argentinian icon respects everyone at Inter Miami. The Herons goalkeeper, who also played a key role in the team's Leagues Cup triumph, also waxed lyrical about the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner's character.
Callender added that Messi has displayed an exceptional attitude since joining Inter Miami last month.
Messi and Co. will now turn their attention towards the US Open Cup semi-final against FC Cincinnati on Wednesday (August 23).
Lionel Messi, 36, bagged 10 goals and one assist in seven games in the Leagues Cup. The superstar, therefore, ended the tournament as the top goalscorer. The second-highest scorer, Minnesota United's Bongokuhle Hlongwane, netted three goals fewer than him.
The Leagues Cup is Lionel Messi's 44th major trophy with club and country, making him the most decorated player of all time. It is also Inter Miami's first trophy in their five-year history. It
Read on sportskeeda.com
