Lionel Messi and Inter Miami Stage Thrilling Three-Goal Comeback to Defeat Los Angeles FC and Reach CONCACAF Champions Cup Semifinals
Inter Miami has advanced to the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals for the first time in club history, thanks to a sensational three-goal rally led by Lionel Messi against Los Angeles FC (LAFC).
The Argentinian superstar scored twice, including the decisive penalty kick in the 84th minute, to secure a 3-1 victory for Inter Miami on Wednesday night. This result gave them a 3-2 aggregate win in the two-leg series.
“We gave it our all,” said Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano. “We wanted to reach the semifinals, and I think it showed. Sometimes luck has to be on your side, and tonight it was.”
Inter Miami faced an uphill battle after losing the first leg 1-0 to LAFC last week. Their deficit grew even larger when Aaron Long scored an early away goal for LAFC in the ninth minute, putting them 2-0 ahead on aggregate.
To advance, Inter Miami needed at least three goals—a daunting task. But with Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, nothing seems impossible.
Messi ignited the comeback in the 35th minute, finding space near the top of the 18-yard box and slotting the ball into the net to level the match at 1-1.
After the hour mark, Allen capitalized on a pass from Messi outside the LAFC penalty area, chipping the ball toward the goal. The shot eluded everyone and bounced into the net, bringing Inter Miami within striking distance.
The team continued to pressure LAFC and successfully appealed for a handball six minutes from full time. Messi converted the resulting penalty to give Inter Miami a 3-1 lead and seal their place in the semifinals. It was his 42nd goal in 48 appearances across all competitions since joining the club.
“This is the way,” Mascherano said. “This is how you play football. The players gave everything, and I’m very happy.”
Goalkeeper Oscar Ustari made two crucial saves in the final minutes to preserve the victory. Inter Miami will now face either Mexican club Pumas or the Vancouver Whitecaps in the semifinals.
The first leg of that two-leg semifinal is scheduled to take place on April 22, 23, or 24.
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (#10) scores the game-winning penalty kick in the 84th minute against Los Angeles FC on April 9, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US. [Jim Rassol/AP]
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