Messi's brace pushes Inter Miami to Concacaf League semifinals
Messi's brilliance led Inter Miami to a historic comeback, securing a spot in the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals with two crucial goals.
Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over Los Angeles FC in the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals, advancing with a 3-2 aggregate score.
Messi’s brace and a late penalty send Inter Miami past LAFC to the Concachampions semifinals
Los Angeles FC struck first with Aaron Long's goal in the 9th minute, extending their aggregate lead. However, Messi ignited Inter Miami's comeback by scoring in the 35th minute, leveling the match. Noah Allen's opportunistic goal further shifted momentum in Miami's favor. A late penalty, converted by Messi, sealed the win.
The match was marked by contentious refereeing decisions, including disallowed goals for Messi and Luis Suárez. Despite LAFC's protests, the referee's decisions, aided by VAR reviews, stood, ensuring Miami's progression.
Inter Miami advances to Concachampions semifinals, awaiting Pumas or Vancouver in the next round.
Inter Miami's semifinal opponent will be determined by the outcome of the Pumas UNAM vs. Vancouver Whitecaps matchup, which ended in a 1-1 draw in the first leg.
This victory marks Inter Miami's first advancement to the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals, highlighting Messi's pivotal role in the team's success.