Recently, 38 year old Messi secured the victory with a freehand cross during stoppage time in the MLS Finals. Not only did he bring Miami International their first ever championship trophy, but he also broke the football history record with his 47th career title, shaping a once bottom team into the new king of North America!
In the 8th minute, Messi broke free from the two defenders on the right flank and launched an attack. Allende's cross caused Vancouver defender Ocampo to own an own goal, and Miami took a 1-0 lead.
In the 60th minute, Ahmed equalized the score with a push shot (1-1), and then Vancouver player Sabi narrowly missed the lead with a shot from the center post.
In the 71st minute, Messi stole the ball from midfield and provided a direct pass to assist De Paul, scoring a goal and leading 2-1 again!
In the 97th minute of stoppage time, Messi cleared the ball from his chest and made a volley, assisting Allende to secure the victory with a one-on-one shot, ending the suspense 3-1.
The referee's multiple controversial decisions have raised doubts, including Ocampo receiving only a yellow card for an elbow strike and missing a penalty kick, which have been accused of favoring the Canadian team. Goalkeeper Novo became a key player, and in the 41st minute, he made a spectacular goal to clear Muller's header and maintain the lead.
In 6 knockout matches, Messi played every game, contributed 6 goals and 7 assists, averaged 1 goal every 36 minutes, and won the MLS playoff MVP award. In the final, he scored 3 goals (instigated own goal+2 assists) and was named the best player of the game.
Messi officially overtakes Alves (43 titles) and holds the top spot in the number of football championships. After joining Miami, the team's market value doubled (from 600 million to 1.2 billion US dollars), the number of fans surged, and the myth of "fish belly becoming a powerhouse" was written.
From Camp Nou to Miami, Messi redefines' legend 'with 47 trophies! He helped the bottom team reach the top of North America and made time stand in the annals of football history for him.
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