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On Saturday, one team will lift their first trophy in club history as the Leagues Cup final will take place at GEODIS Park in Nashville at 9 p.m. ET. The match will pit two expansion clubs who got to this point in different ways against each other. Since both have already qualified for Concacaf Champions Cup, the real prize is etching themselves in history by not only winning their first trophy but also winning the first edition of the revamped Leagues Cup. Adding to the drama is just how much these teams are a study in contrasts. Nashville have built a squad behind reigning MVP Hany Mukhtar but Miami have burst on the scene after adding Lionel Messi to the squad.
While Messi was obviously expected to lift Miami to new heights, few could’ve expected his first six games to be this explosive, producing five wins, nine goals and an assist for him and an appearance in a cup final. Miami have been able to win without two of their newest signings even begin available due to visa paperwork, so they’re just getting started. Messi has been at the center of the club’s resurgence but he hasn’t been alone as his supporting cast will also need to play a large part in the final.
How to watch and odds
Date: Saturday, Aug. 19 Time: 9 p.m. ETLocation: GEODIS Park — Nashville, TennesseeTV: None