Nashville Midfielder Dax McCarty celebrates receiving Messi's jersey after Leagues Cup defeat

Nashville SC midfielder, Dax McCarty has described the defeat to Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup final as 'not a total loss' after he received Lionel Messi's jersey as a gift.

Following a hard-fought 1-1 draw in full-time, the game had to be decided from the spot, with Messi leading Miami to victory.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner scored a screamer in the final and was too hot to handle for Nashville on Sunday.

McCarty, a veteran in the MLS, was disappointed his side could not stop the man he described as the greatest of all-time (GOAT), but was delighted to get his jersey at the end of the match.

"The night wasn’t a total loss," he wrote on Twitter.

Earlier, McCarty had lauded his teammates for a resilient display against Inter Miami to force the game into extra-time.

"The result is obviously a swift kick to the groin, but I couldn’t be prouder of our team and our city. Our response after the GOAT does GOAT things was awesome. So much character in this group. It hurts but we will be better for it. Plenty of good nights and memories to come," he posted.
During the shootout, goalkeeper Elliot Panicco saw his spot kick saved by his opposite number Drake Callender to hand Miami victory, as reported by USA Today.

Messi and his teammates will now turn their attention to the Major League Soccer, which resumed after the Cup competition.