Messi vs. Mukhtar: The battle that will decide the Leagues Cup

Mukhtar joined Nashville at the start of its debut MLS season in 2020 and has been key to the club's steady build to success. He was signed as a Designated Player--a distinction that means he was not subject to MLS's strict salary cap--but despite his reputation Mukhtar remains curiously underrated by domestic and foreign fans alike.

This weekend's Leagues Cup final gives Mukhtar the opportunity to perform in front of his biggest audience yet. But according to Nashville coach Gary Smith, it's not merely a chance for new fans to see Mukhtar; it's also a chance for new fans to see how well he stacks up in comparison to Messi.

"Have you not seen this guy score a free kick in a very similar fashion?" Smith said of Mukhtar after being asked about Messi's first American goal. "Do we not see that from this gentleman next to me for our group?"

In many ways, Messi and Mukhtar are similar players; both are quick-footed attacking midfielders who can play as forwards if necessary, both are dead-ball specialists capable of blasting a free kick into the top corner. And both prefer to do most of their talking on the field, eschewing press conferences and splashy interviews in favor of behind-the-scenes leadership and continuous self-improvement.

For Messi, that style is clearly at odds with glitzy, glamorous Miami, a team determined to market him and his ex-Barcelona teammates as much as possible. For Mukhtar, though, he's found a stylistic match in Nashville. The team recognizes his talent and has built itself around him, but it doesn't expect him to do anything but stay healthy and bang in goals.

That story--two quiet, talented players leading two wildly different clubs--will color Saturday's Leagues Cup final and may well determine which team takes it home. But for Mukhtar and Nashville, just getting to the championship match amidst the Messi mania has proven the value of their healthy and sustainable approach.

"Our fanbase has waited patiently for a moment like this," coach Smith said. "Our players deserve it, our ownership deserves it, and our fans deserve it. It's a tremendous opportunity."

Nashville and Inter Miami will face off this Saturday at Nashville's Geodis Park in the Leagues Cup final at 9:00pm ET.