Lionel Messi proved once again why he’s football’s ultimate clutch player, scoring twice and inspiring Inter Miami to a dramatic 3-2 aggregate victory over LAFC to reach the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals.
Down 1-0 from the first leg and trailing early in the return tie, Miami needed three goals to survive and Messi delivered. After an initial disallowed free-kick goal, the Argentine magician equalized with a stunning solo effort before assisting in the buildup for the second and calmly converting an 83rd-minute penalty for the winner.
The Night Unfolded Like a Movie:
- Early Blow: Aaron Long volleyed LAFC ahead within 10 minutes, leaving Miami needing three.
- Messi’s Response: After VAR ruled out his first goal, he came back with a trademark curler into the top corner.
- Noah Allen’s Miracle: A fortunate second goal bounced in off Allen, breathing life into the comeback.
- The Decider: A handball gave Messi the stage. He stepped up and delivered again.
- Final Stand: Veteran keeper Oscar Ustari made clutch saves as tensions ran high and tackles flew in.
Man of the Match – Lionel Messi (10/10):
Pure magic. A goal disallowed? No problem. He made up for it twice. With two goals, including a nerveless penalty, and a commanding performance throughout, Messi proved he’s still the difference-maker on the biggest stage.
Other Standouts:
- Noah Allen (8/10): Scored the most unlikely goal of the night. Calm and composed otherwise.
- Oscar Ustari (7/10): A late hero with two key saves to protect the lead.
- Javier Mascherano (9/10): Tactical masterclass. Kept Messi central, packed the midfield, and got the job done.
With this win, Inter Miami advances to the semifinals, keeping dreams alive of a first continental title under Mascherano’s leadership and Messi leading the charge.
Next stop: Glory or heartbreak but with Messi, the script writes itself.
