‘Do everything possible to beat Lionel Messi’ – Mexico star Obed Vargas put respect for Argentine GOAT on hold in Leagues Cup final clash between Seattle Sounders & Inter Miami

Mexico international Obed Vargas put his “respect” for Lionel Messi on hold when facing the Argentine GOAT in the Leagues Cup final.

• Sounders landed major silverware
• Messi and Co kept quiet
• Reunion in MLS fast approaching

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Promising midfielder Vargas lined up for the Seattle Sounders as they played host to Inter Miami in a contest that saw major silverware come up for grabs. The 20-year-old was left beaming with pride at the final whistle.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The Sounders claimed a resounding 3-0 victory over MLS rivals, with the deadlock broken inside 26 minutes before wrapping up a memorable triumph in the closing stages. Eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi was kept surprisingly quiet throughout.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Tempers did boil over at the final whistle, as emotion spilled out for both teams, but Vargas was delighted to get his hands on a winners’ medal. He spoke to while draped in a Mexican flag.

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  WHAT VARGAS SAID

  Vargas said of lining up against all-time great Messi and denying the most decorated player in history another addition to his record-shattering trophy collection: “Messi is a great player, I admire and respect him a lot; but on the field he’s my rival and I had to do everything possible to beat him.”