Leonardo endeared himself to Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti by leading the club to a Champions League last 16 victory at Bayern Munich.
Inter won the tie on away goals to advance to the last eight, having trailed 1-0 from the first leg but winning 3-2 at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday night.
Moratti told the club's official website: "I would give a 10 (out of 10) to Leonardo.
"This was a very tough game from a psychological point of view and he was excellent."
Moratti was not surprised by his team's terrific comeback.
Trailing 2-1 at the interval, Inter hit back with two second-half goals to remain alive in the competition.
"This team has personality, character and is very united," Moratti said.
"Even when things go badly, this team is able to turn things around and that is also the merit of Leonardo.
"We controlled the game in the second half and once the team again felt sure of itself, we took the win home."
Leonardo, meanwhile, hailed his team's never-say-die attitude.
"We needed to show courage in order to beat a team like Bayern that plays great attacking football," the Brazilian said.
"We controlled the second half and while we could have lost our heads, instead we always stayed in the game."
Leonardo felt his side sent a strong message to future rivals.
"This is an historic win," he said.
"You can have good or bad times but what happened in Munich is a sign of what Inter can be."
The Inter coach went on to tell Corriere dello Sport: "To explain this contest would be truly difficult. The difference was our heart.
"We prepared very well for the contest and we found ourselves quickly ahead. Then it became complicated and it was all Bayern.
"After their equaliser, we have tried to play at a delicate psychological moment and we conceded another goal.
"Skill was the key to our recovery. We managed to recover without losing our heads. We stayed calm and tranquil.
"Pandev? He scored a goal that Maradona would have been proud of at a time that has not been so good for him.
"I can't take any credit for this. The team spirit was always here otherwise they would not have been able to achieve this result.
"This is a historic result because we have done it in the Champions League, but it's the same spirit we've shown in the championship.
"We risked so much because we were unbalanced. We did well to be in the match, even at difficult times, although there was much luck of course."
