Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is a fan of Lionel Messi. However, there was no doubt in anyone’s mind about which team Giannis was supporting in Saturday’s Leagues Cup Final between Messi’s Inter Miami and Nashville SC. After all, Antetokounmpo is actually a part owner of MLS side Nashville SC.
Bucks Star Giannis Antetokounmpo Gracious in Defeat
Way before the match kicked off on Saturday night, Giannis was already talking a bit of smack toward Messi and Inter Miami. In fact, the former NBA MVP already sent out a warning to their opponents as soon as Nashville booked their place in the Leagues Cup Final:
I told you I’ll see in Nashville!! Let’s go @NashvilleSC #Finals🏆 https://t.co/prg1ejsH6N
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) August 16, 2023
Giannis even flew in to Nashville to support his team. He also took the pitch prior to kick-off to soak in the atmosphere in the packed arena:
Nashville, let's get it🙌🏾💪🏾💪🏾 pic.twitter.com/hE0L6uqfLF
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) August 19, 2023
Suuuiiiii😂 pic.twitter.com/W8srpoQ8g0
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) August 20, 2023
For those that require context, that’s actually Giannis Antetokounmpo busting out Cristiano Ronaldo’s famed “SIU” celebration. Ronaldo is currently considered one of Messi’s biggest rivals, so you know that there was a bit of an undertone in Giannis’ antics here.
In the end, however, it was Messi and Miami who reigned supreme. As expected, the GOAT opened the scoring in the 23rd minute to give Miami a 1-0 lead against the home team. Nashville evened the score in the second half via a Fafa Picault goal, and the game would end at 1-1 after extra time.
Messi was the first to step up in the penalty shootout, and he was cool as a cucumber from the spot. Ultimately, Miami won the shootout, 10-9. This is the Argenitine’s first piece of silverware since he arrived in the United States a few months ago.
Antetokounmpo knew that his team was beaten fair and square and he just had to give credit where it was due in spite of the heartbreaking loss:
Messi. Respect 🙏🏾🙏🏾
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) August 20, 2023
Didn’t get the results we wanted but what a great atmosphere, @NashvilleSC we will be back stronger and better than ever⚽️🙏🏽😃 pic.twitter.com/02gGxwAEdf
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) August 20, 2023
As Giannis said, this defeat will only make Nashville SC stronger. After all, there’s no shame in losing to the great Lionel Messi.
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