In a thrilling matchup on Tuesday, Inter Miami CF overcame a first-leg deficit to claim a 3-1 victory against LAFC, securing their place in the semifinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup for the very first time. The team found their stride despite an early setback, with Lionel Messi making a decisive impact on the game.

Match Overview

LAFC brought a 1-0 advantage into the second leg, and they struck first yet again, scoring in the ninth minute. However, goals from Messi and defender Noah Allen turned the tide in favor of Inter Miami, allowing them to advance to the next round of the tournament.

Mascherano’s Praise for Messi

Following the victory, Inter Miami’s head coach, Javier Mascherano, spoke highly of Messi’s contributions. “Messi is the soul of this team. Sometimes I feel uncomfortable talking about him because I’ve known him for 20 years now, and I have to help him in this stage of his career,” Mascherano remarked. He emphasized Messi’s unmatched talent, stating, “He’s the greatest in history, and he’s still making the path and guiding the new generations beyond having won everything until the last day he plays on the pitch.”

Leadership on the Field

Messi not only excelled as a player but also as a leader in guiding his teammates through the pressure of the match. Teammate Luis Suárez noted, “Leo told us during the game… that even if the other team scored, we needed to remain calm.” This guidance played a crucial role as Miami aimed to score three goals to secure their advancement.

Pivotal Moments and Future Challenges

The contest culminated in an 84th-minute penalty converted by Messi, a moment that etched history for Inter Miami. The win marked a significant improvement from the previous year when the team was eliminated by CF Monterrey at the quarterfinal stage.

LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo acknowledged the difficulties his team faced in containing Messi, reflecting on the need for tighter defense, particularly in the second half. “Look, you’re talking about one of the greatest to ever play this sport,” he stated. Cherundolo recognized that Messi’s skill set not only contributes to his own success but enhances the performance of those around him.

Next Steps for Inter Miami

With this significant victory, Inter Miami now sets their sights on the semifinals, where they will face Pumas UNAM. The club aims to continue their historic run in the tournament as they build on the momentum created by this impressive comeback.