da dobrowin： Lionel Messi’s memorable goal for Inter Miami versus Nashville in the Leagues Cup final is being used to inspire the club’s next generation of talent.

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All-time great has starred in the United StatesDelivered historic trophy triumph to FloridaSetting perfect example to stars of tomorrowGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner lit up the first tournament that he graced after making a stunning move to the United States, with his exploits delivering a historic trophy triumph for David Beckham and Co in Florida. Messi netted 10 goals en route to claiming the 44th title of his remarkable career, with one of those efforts breaking the deadlock with major silverware up for grabs.

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Said effort, which saw the mercurial Argentine suddenly burst into life before hitting the back of the net, now forms part of the lessons being handed out in Inter Miami’s academy system. NEXT Pro coach Federico Higuain has told : “He started moving from midfield and ended up scoring next to the box. So, I asked the guys, particularly those who play the number 10 position, to look at what he did and realize that in that role you can create plays but you can also finish them. The question we asked them was ‘Who scored and where did that play begin for him?’ Well, it started in the middle of the field. A 16-year-old can understand and try that.”

GettyWHAT THEY SAID

Higuain – the brother of former Argentina and Inter Miami star Gonzalo – went on to say of Messi’s impact on American soccer as a whole: “Everything has changed, not only our club but the entire league. For us, it represents what perfection is inside the field and outside of it. He gives those of us who are educators an opportunity to have the best soccer has to offer and also the possibility to use his presence to explain to players what it takes to play professionally.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Inter Miami’s academy director, Victor Pastora, has echoed those sentiments when saying of how special it is to have a character like Messi around – with the all-time great having brought his latest Golden Ball trophy in to show the youngsters looking to follow in his footsteps: “It was an incredible gesture. A clear reflection of the way he carries himself every day in the club. As extraordinary as he is, the gesture didn't surprise us because he is very accessible. He comes almost every afternoon to watch them in training. It’s just the way he is. As normal as he acts and as nice as he is, it’s still every day for the players and everyone here a big shock that, yeah, he’s there. It was his initiative to come and share with the academy players. He knows he inspires and he knows the effect he has on the kids.”