When Messi joined Miami a month ago, they were at the bottom of Major League Soccer and in their third season of existence. But Messi, along with fellow Spaniards Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, completely changed the squad and helped them go on a seven-game unbeaten streak to win the League Cup.

The club’s founder and co-owner David Beckham expressed his surprise at how swiftly the former Barcelona trio had been able to bring about change. Watching these athletes play is “like watching a movie; everything about their play is beautiful from an emotional standpoint,” he remarked.

Seven-time winner of the Ballon d’Or Messi has now scored 10 goals in seven games for his new team, and on Wednesday, when his squad plays Cincinnati in the US Open Cup semifinal, he has a chance to advance to a second final.

The victory was nonetheless delicious even if Miami was not the powerful, entertaining team that has dominated the tournament, which features teams from the MLS and Liga MX in Mexico, over the last month. “I’m thrilled to have won the club’s first championship in just one month. We are thrilled with how quickly the team is progressing, said midfielder Busquets.

“We have spread our enthusiasm, work, character, and experience throughout the team. We are assembling a strong team. Then there is Leo, who is the best in the world and makes a difference.