Inter Miami advances to Concacaf Champions Cup semis with Messi's heroics

Inter Miami defeated LAFC 3-1 on Wednesday night in Los Angeles, advancing to the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals. Lionel Messi scored twice, including the game-winning penalty kick, to propel Miami to its first-ever semifinal appearance in the tournament. The victory came after Miami overcame a 2-0 deficit on aggregate, capitalizing on the away goals rule still in effect in the Concacaf competition.

Inter Miami faced a 1-0 deficit from the first leg played in Southern California. LAFC extended their aggregate lead to 2-0 early in the second leg with a goal from Aaron Long in the ninth minute. The away goal held significant weight due to Concacaf's continued use of the away goals tiebreaker.


Long's away goal meant Miami needed to score at least three goals to secure the win without extra time. Messi ignited Miami's comeback with a goal just before halftime. Noah Allen then equalized the aggregate score early in the second half.

Messi's second goal, a penalty kick awarded after a handball by LAFC's Marlon Santos, sealed the victory for Miami. The penalty was awarded after a VAR review confirmed the handball inside the penalty area.

Messi's first goal was described as "sensational." He received a pass from former Barcelona teammate Luis Suárez and shot the ball between two defenders, past goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

Miami had two goals disallowed during the match, but ultimately VAR favored them with the crucial penalty decision. Referee César Ramos awarded the penalty after reviewing the play.

Reuters

Despite LAFC outshooting Miami 21-13, Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari made eight saves to keep his team in the game. Ustari's performance included key saves against LAFC striker Denis Bouanga.

Miami will now return to MLS play with a match against the Chicago Fire on Sunday. They will face either the Vancouver Whitecaps or Liga MX's Pumas in the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals later this month.

LAFC, considered a top MLS team, will now concentrate on their MLS season. Their next match is against the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday.

AP

The win signifies a milestone for Inter Miami under coach Javier Mascherano. Reaching the semifinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup is the club's first appearance at this stage of the competition.

The loss is a setback for LAFC and coach Steve Cherundolo. They held high hopes for a deep run in the Champions Cup.