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Inter Miami Stuns LAFC: Messi's Magic Sends Herons to CONCACAF Semis
Lionel Messi once again orchestrated a breathtaking comeback, leading Inter Miami to a thrilling 3-1 victory over Los Angeles FC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals. The April 10th match at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale saw Messi score twice, securing a 3-2 aggregate win and a historic semifinal berth for Inter Miami.
Early Setback and Mounting Pressure
The match began ominously for Inter Miami. Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, they fell further behind when Aaron Long scored for LAFC in the ninth minute, putting the aggregate score at 2-0. The pressure was immense; Miami needed three goals to advance.
Messi's Masterclass
Messi's magic ignited the comeback. His first goal, a stunning curling effort from outside the box in the 35th minute, reignited hope and reduced the deficit to 2-1 on aggregate. A second goal for Miami, courtesy of Noah Allen's fortunate lobbed pass past both teams' midfielders and the goalkeeper, leveled the aggregate score at 2-2. Although a subsequent Luis Suárez goal was disallowed for offside, the momentum had firmly shifted.
Penalty, Victory, and Semifinal Berth
The drama reached its zenith in the 84th minute. After a VAR review confirmed a handball by LAFC's Marlon Santos, Messi stepped up to take the penalty, coolly converting to give Inter Miami a 3-2 aggregate lead. Despite LAFC's late surge, Oscar Ustari's resolute goalkeeping preserved the victory, securing Inter Miami's place in the semifinals. This win marked their first-ever appearance in the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals.
What Lies Ahead
Inter Miami's journey continues. With Messi, Suárez, and Sergio Busquets leading the charge, the team’s international campaign is gaining impressive momentum. Their next challenge will be against the winner of the Pumas UNAM vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC quarterfinal match. This remarkable victory showcases the enduring talent and unwavering determination of Lionel Messi, proving once again why he's considered one of the greatest footballers of all time.
