Lionel Messi orchestrated a dramatic comeback, leading Inter Miami to their first-ever CONCACAF Champions Cup Semifinals appearance with a 3-1 victory over Los Angeles FC (LAFC) on Wednesday night, Fox News reports.
The win sealed a 3-2 aggregate triumph in the two-leg quarterfinal matchup.
Facing a 1-0 deficit from the first leg in Los Angeles, Inter Miami found themselves in a deeper hole early in the return leg when Aaron Long scored an away goal for LAFC in the ninth minute, extending their aggregate lead to 2-0. Inter Miami needed to score at least three goals to advance.
However, with Messi on the field, the improbable became reality. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner sparked the rally in the 35th minute, finding space near the top of the penalty area to score, tying the match at 1-1 and igniting the Miami comeback.
After the hour mark, Julian Allen received a pass from Messi outside the Los Angeles penalty area and chipped the ball towards the net. The ball sailed over everyone and bounced into the net, giving Inter Miami a crucial lead.
Inter Miami maintained relentless pressure, culminating in a successful appeal for a handball call just six minutes from full time. Messi stepped up to convert the penalty, sealing the 3-1 victory and securing their place in the semifinals. The goal marked his 42nd in 48 appearances across all competitions since joining Inter Miami.
Goalkeeper Oscar Ustari delivered two crucial saves in the final minutes to preserve the lead. Inter Miami will now face either Mexican club Pumas or the Vancouver Whitecaps in the CONCACAF Champions Cup Semifinals.
The first leg of the semifinal matchup is scheduled to take place on April 22, 23, or 24.
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