Lionel Messi delivered another masterclass in Inter Miami's crucial second-leg clash against Los Angeles FC in the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals.
The Messi-led Inter Miami staged a stunning comeback to defeat LAFC 3-1, overturning their 1-0 deficit from the first leg and advancing to the semifinals for the first time in the club's history.
LAFC struck first in the 9th minute through Aaron Long, extending its aggregate lead to 2-0 and putting Miami in a precarious position. However, the talismanic Messi had other ideas.
Messi initiated the comeback in the 35th minute with a brilliant left-footed strike from the top of the 18-yard box, levelling the match at 1-1 and reigniting Miami's hopes. In the 61st minute, Federico Redondo gave Miami a 2-1 lead with a chipped ball that eluded the LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and tied the aggregate score at 2-2.
Messi sealed the victory in the 84th minute with a calmly taken penalty, securing a 3-1 win on the night and a 3-2 aggregate triumph for Inter Miami. Messi's two goals were pivotal in Miami's historic win. His first goal showcased his precision and composure, while his penalty under pressure demonstrated his unmatched ability to deliver in critical moments. Reflecting on the match, Messi's teammate Luis Suárez shared how Messi's leadership kept the team focused: "Even if the other team scored, we needed to remain calm. The possibilities would be the same; we needed to score three goals to win."
For Inter Miami, this victory marks a historic milestone, as the club advances to the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals for the first time. The win boosts the team's morale and solidifies its position as a serious contender in international competitions.
At 37, Messi continues to defy expectations, proving his ability to lead and perform at the highest level. His contributions have elevated Inter Miami's global profile and brought attention to the MLS. Despite its strong start, LAFC's inability to contain Messi and capitalise on the aggregate lead highlights areas for improvement in their defensive strategy.
Concacaf Champions Cup is the premier club football competition for teams from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. It features top-performing clubs from domestic leagues across the region, including teams from Major League Soccer (MLS), Liga MX, and other leagues in Central America and the Caribbean. The tournament follows a knockout format, with home-and-away legs determining the winners at each stage. The winner of the Concacaf Champions Cup earns a spot in the FIFA Club World Cup, where champions from other continental tournaments compete.