In a display of leadership and skill, Lionel Messi guided Inter Miami to a 3-1 comeback victory over Los Angeles FC, securing a 3-2 aggregate win and a spot in the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals.
The match, held at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, began with LAFC’s Aaron Long extending their aggregate lead with a goal in the 9th minute. Facing a two-goal deficit, Inter Miami needed inspiration, and Messi delivered.
In the 35th minute, Messi seized an opportunity from a deflected ball, slotting it past LAFC’s goalkeeper Hugo Lloris to level the score on the night.
This goal not only ignited the home crowd but also shifted the momentum in Inter Miami’s favor. In the 61st minute, Federico Redondo pulled Inter Miami level after running onto a pass from Noah Allen and slotting the ball past Hugo Lloris.
The decisive moment came in the 84th minute. A handball by LAFC’s Mark Delgado led to a penalty, and Messi stepped up with characteristic calmness. He sent Lloris the wrong way, converting the spot-kick and completing the comeback. This goal not only secured the victory but also highlighted Messi’s clutch performance under pressure.
Teammate Luis Suárez highlighted Messi’s influence, revealing that during the match, Messi urged the team to remain calm and focused despite the early setback.
Coach Javier Mascherano praised Messi as the “soul” of the team, emphasizing his relentless drive and impact on the squad. Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Messi has been instrumental, contributing significantly to the team’s successes.
With this victory, Inter Miami advances to face the Vancouver Whitecaps in the semifinals, carrying the confidence and momentum from their captain’s stellar performance.
