In the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals, Messi had a relatively quiet performance. Inter Miami lost 0-1 to Los Angeles FC. However, in the return leg, the Argentinian superstar overcame his disappointment and shone brightly.
Messi was instrumental in all three of Inter Miami’s goals against Los Angeles FC (Photo: ESPN).
Messi was instrumental in all three goals (scoring two and assisting one) as Inter Miami defeated Los Angeles FC 3-1. This victory propelled the Beckham-owned team into the CONCACAF Champions League semifinals with an aggregate score of 3-2 over two legs. They will face the winner of the match between Pumas UNAM (Mexico) and Vancouver Whitecaps (Canada) in the next round. Importantly, Inter Miami is the only US representative in the semifinals.
Inter Miami pressed aggressively from the start of the match. However, they conceded a goal in the 9th minute. Aaron Long capitalized on a chaotic moment inside the Inter Miami penalty area to score.
Facing a 0-2 aggregate deficit, Inter Miami needed to score three goals to advance. Messi stepped up to the occasion, playing the role of a superhero. In the 35th minute, “El Pulga” scored a stunning equalizer for Inter Miami, dribbling and finishing expertly near the penalty area.
Messi celebrates with his sons after the win. He is close to winning his first major trophy with Inter Miami. (Photo: Getty).
In the following minutes, Inter Miami relentlessly attacked, creating several scoring opportunities. However, they needed Messi to find the back of the net. In the 61st minute, the Argentinian superstar delivered a pinpoint cross that Allen converted to make it 2-1.
The drama continued. In the 84th minute, Messi secured the 3-1 victory for Inter Miami from a penalty. A Los Angeles FC player had committed a handball inside the penalty area.
With this victory, Inter Miami is now just two matches away from the CONCACAF Champions League title. Messi has the chance to win his first major trophy with Inter Miami after years of being unsuccessful in securing such a prize.
