Inter Miami has advanced to the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals for the first time after Lionel Messi led a dramatic three-goal comeback against Los Angeles FC (LAFC).
The Argentine great scored twice, including the series-clinching penalty kick in the 84th minute, to help Inter Miami defeat LAFC 3-1 on Wednesday night and 3-2 on aggregate in the two-leg battle.
“We gave it our all,” Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano stated. “I believe our will to get to the semi-finals was evident. Many times, luck is on your side, and we had it.
Inter Miami had already lost the series opener to LAFC 1-0 the previous week, but Aaron Long’s away goal in the ninth minute on Wednesday startled Inter Miami and gave LAFC a 2-0 aggregate lead early in the return leg.
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That meant Inter Miami needed at least three goals from that point to advance. It might have appeared unlikely.
With Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, anything is possible.
Messi sparked the revival in the 35th minute, getting away near the top of the 18-yard box and tying the game at 1-1, kicking off Miami’s comeback.
After the hour mark, Allen received a pass from Messi outside the Los Angeles penalty area and chipped the ball into the net. The ball eluded everyone and bounced into the goal.
Inter Miami applied the pressure throughout, then successfully appealed for a handball judgment six minutes from time, which Messi converted for a 3-1 advantage and a position in the semifinals. It was his 42nd goal in 48 games in all competitions since joining Inter Miami.
“This is the way,” Mascherano added. “This is how you play football… They gave everything. “I am very happy.”
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