Messi Leads Inter Miami to the Semifinals of the Concacaf Champions League
The Magic of Lionel Messi Shines Again
Lionel Messi’s magic has struck once more! On Wednesday night in Florida, the Argentine star led Inter Miami to a spectacular comeback against Los Angeles FC, scoring a crucial brace that secured a 3-1 victory for his team and a spot in the semifinals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
After losing the first leg 1-0 and conceding an early goal to Aaron Long in the 9th minute, the Floridians faced a daunting challenge: they needed to score at least three goals without conceding any to advance, with the away goals rule in effect.
Messi ignited the comeback in the 35th minute, finishing off a beautiful combination with Luis Suarez with an unstoppable curling shot. The equalizer breathed new life into the supporters.
In the 61st minute, Miami took the lead in a chaotic play: a floating cross from Noah Allen befuddled goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, whose failed clearance allowed the ball to roll into the net without any direct intervention from a Miami player.
Despite Suarez having a goal disallowed for offside in the 67th minute, Messi sealed the qualification in the 84th minute by confidently converting a penalty.
Inter Miami will face the winner of the matchup between Club Universidad Nacional (Mexico) and the Vancouver Whitecaps (Canada) in the semifinals, who are set to play their return leg after a 1-1 draw in the first match.
