Inter Miami were in trouble in the Concacaf Champions Cup. They had lost the first leg to Los Angeles FC and were trailing again in Wednesday’s match at Chase Stadium. In that context, Lionel Messi stepped up to bring his team back into the game with two crucial goals.
The match started off challenging for the Herons, as their rivals, taking advantage of the lead they had earned last week, came out with confidence and controlled possession better. In fact, the first scoring opportunities came from LAFC, until, at the 8th minute, Aaron Long found a rebound inside the box and scored the opener for them.
However, Inter Miami found a way to strike through the magic of Lionel Messi, who showed his class with every touch of the ball. The Argentine forward sent a warning shot with a free kick that found the back of the net, but referee Cesar Arturo Ramos Palazuelos disallowed it because he hadn’t given the signal to take the kick.
That didn’t seem to bother Messi too much, as just minutes later, he netted the equalizer after gathering the ball inside the box, controlling it, and firing a precise shot with his left foot that curled into the top corner of the goal, leaving goalkeeper Hugo Lloris with no chance to react.
Messi’s first goal wasn’t enough for Inter Miami
Although Lionel Messi’s goal was crucial in helping Inter Miami salvage a difficult moment in the match, it wasn’t enough for the team to turn the series around. The victory in the first leg for LAFC gave them a significant advantage, which was further extended by Aaron Long’s goal early in the first half.
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The Los Angeles team held an additional advantage that could prove decisive. This was because a one-goal victory for Inter Miami wasn’t enough to advance, as LAFC had the advantage of an away goal. Therefore, the Herons needed to win by two goals to continue in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
The Herons complete the comeback
With less than 30 minutes remaining, a play unfolded involving Benjamin Cremaschi and Lionel Messi. The ball eventually reached Noah Allen, who sent a cross into the box looking for Federico Redondo. The midfielder attempted to head the ball but missed, which confused the opposing goalkeeper and allowed the ball to slip in for the 2-1 scoreline.
With less than 10 minutes remaining, a handball in the box prompted a VAR review, which signaled a possible penalty. Referee Ramos Palazuelos reviewed the play and awarded a penalty to Inter Miami. Lionel Messi converted the spot kick, scoring the third goal they needed to secure a spot in the semifinals.
What’s next for Inter Miami?
With their impressive 3-1 victory over Los Angeles FC on Wednesday, Inter Miami secured their spot in the semifinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup. They will now face the winner of the matchup between Vancouver Whitecaps and Pumas of Mexico, who drew 1-1 in the first leg. In the other semifinal, Cruz Azul will face Tigres.
