Football star Lionel Messi showed his class once again as he helped Inter Miami come from behind to beat Los Angeles FC 3-1 and qualify for the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-finals.
The match, played on Wednesday, saw Messi score two goals — including the winning penalty in the 84th minute — to give Miami a 3-2 win on aggregate. LAFC had won the first leg 1-0.
It was a dramatic night as Miami needed three goals to survive after Aaron Long scored for LAFC in the 9th minute. That goal gave the visitors a 2-0 lead on aggregate, and with the away goals rule in place, the task became even harder for Miami.
Messi, who is now 37 years old, didn’t give up. He linked up with his former Barcelona teammate Luis Suárez to score Miami’s first goal in the 35th minute, bending a shot into the far corner of the net.
In the second half, Noah Allen put Miami 2-1 ahead when his cross surprisingly went into the net after both Federico Redondo and LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris failed to touch it.
Miami thought they had their third goal when Suárez scored from a Messi cross, but it was ruled offside.
The chance finally came when LAFC’s Marlon handled the ball in the box. After checking with VAR, the referee gave a penalty. Messi calmly scored, sending the crowd wild.
His coach, Javier Mascherano, called Messi the “soul” of the team.
“He’s the greatest in history and continues to set an example of how to compete,” Mascherano said. “He will always do the impossible to win.”
Mascherano admitted his team made mistakes but praised their effort.
“We have a lot to improve but this is the way — fighting to the end and giving everything,” he said.
On the other side, LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo said his team failed to finish the game when they had the chance.
“We created some high-quality chances, but didn’t score enough. It got hectic and emotional,” he said.
Miami’s win now puts them in the last four of the competition as they continue their dream run, led by Messi’s experience and hunger to win.
