Lionel Messi won the 2023 Leagues Cup with Inter Miami on Saturday, a hard-fought game against Nashville SC that gave the Herons its first ever piece of silverware barely over a month after the Argentine’s arrival.

Lionel Messi was in the scorebox again, with a long range effort in the 25th minute to score the first goal of the game. However, Nashville’s Fafà Picault tied the match early in the second half. The game eventually went to a penalty shootout, where it took 22 tries for a winner to be decided in a definition between goalkeepers: Inter Miami’s Drake Callender first made his shot and then saved Nashville’s Elliot Panicco.

With this win, Inter Miami’s not only won its first title ever, but also earned a spot in the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup knockout round, a continental contest that gathers teams from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.

One issue that garnered attention and has led to some debate is whether this title has made Messi the single most decorated player in football history. Depending on whose account you lend weight to, the Argentine has either 43 titles at the club and country level, tied with Brazilian defender Dani Alves, or has now surpassed him with 44. 

Messi can take pride in owning one of the most impressive title counts in the world. The former FC Barcelona and PSG player boasts ten Spanish league titles, four Champions League wins, an Olympic gold medal and the World Cup title among many others.

Such a plentiful count would put to an end to most debates, but the Rosario-born star’s win in Nashville on Saturday sparked a bit of controvery regarding the record. It all started when his father, Jorge Messi, posted an image congratulating his son on winning 44 titles.

A debate with no clear answer

The debate surrounding who has the most titles goes back to a specific tournament played in 2005, when Messi was only 18 years old.

Following what was arguably his breakthrough season at FC Barcelona, Messi was expected to take part in the 2005 Supercopa de España, the curtain-opener for the Spanish football season that pits the team that won the previous league championship against whoever won the Copa del Rey, a cup tournament that pits teams from every league in Spain, similarly to England’s FA Cup or Argentina’s Copa Argentina.

At the time, the competition only allowed each side to register 18 players between starters and bench players. Then-Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard chose not to include Messi, who was coming off his Argentina National Team debut.

“Unfortunately only 18 players can enter the field, but it’s not something to worry about. There are many games and there will be room for everyone”, said the Dutch coach.

Messi was out of the squad and did not feature in any of the two games against Real Betis, and therefore did not receive a medal.

By this account, the 2005 Supercopa de España should not be part of Messi’s incredible tally. However, FC Barcelona seems to consider that its former captain did win this tournament as it congratulated him on breaking the record on Saturday, fueling debates on social media.

Regardless, Messi sits as the record holder, although for now he shares it with Dani Alves. The Argentine still has chances to claim the top spot for himself, as Inter Miami will now compete in the US Open Cup, a cup competition similar to the Copa del Rey. The Herons will face FC Cincinnati in the semifinals on August 23.

Inter Miami is also competing in the MLS Regular Season, although it will need some more Messi magic to get out of the bottom of the Eastern Conference table, where it currently stands.