When the pressure is at its peak and the odds are stacked high, there’s one name that always rises above the rest — Lionel Messi.
Inter Miami has made history, storming into the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals for the first time ever after a jaw-dropping 3-1 win over LAFC, thanks to a sensational brace from the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Trailing 2-0 on aggregate with just under an hour left in the second leg, the Herons looked set for elimination. But Messi, with his trademark calm under chaos, led a comeback for the ages.
A Comeback Etched in Glory
Inter Miami’s dreams seemed to unravel early when LAFC’s Aaron Long scored in the 9th minute, stretching the aggregate gap to 2-0. The situation only worsened when a cheeky Messi free-kick — taken while goalkeeper Hugo Lloris was still organizing his wall — was controversially ruled out.
But the spark came moments later.
A classic link-up between Messi and longtime teammate Luis Suárez saw the Argentine fire a rocket into the top corner, breathing life into the match. Then came Miami’s equalizer: Suárez found Noah Allen, who floated a perfect chip for Federico Redondo to nod home.
With the score level at 2-2 on aggregate, the stage was set for a dramatic finale.
Messi Delivers the Knockout Punch
In the 84th minute, VAR awarded Inter Miami a penalty after a handball in the LAFC box. Cool as ever, Messi slotted it past Lloris to give Miami a 3-2 aggregate lead and seal their spot in the semifinals.
“We wanted more and we ended up achieving it… for a comeback like this, luck has to be on your side – and it was,” said Miami head coach Javier Mascherano, who also praised his players for their resilience.
Tempers Flare, But Miami Prevails
The match’s final moments were chaotic — a melee erupted after a foul on Messi, with players shoving, wrestling, and grabbing in frustration. But the dust eventually settled, and Miami held strong until the final whistle.
Next Up: Vancouver Whitecaps
Inter Miami will now face the Vancouver Whitecaps in the semifinals, while Liga MX giants Cruz Azuland Tigres UANL clash on the other side of the bracket.
Messi once again proves why he’s not just a star — he’s a game-changer.
Follow us for more updates on Messi, Inter Miami, and the CONCACAF Champions Cup!
