In a thrilling display of resilience and skill, Inter Miami secured their place in the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup by overcoming a first-leg deficit to defeat LAFC 3-1 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on April 10, 2025. The Herons, led by superstar Lionel Messi, showcased their determination to turn the tie around after losing the first leg 1-0.
The match began on a sour note for Miami, as LAFC's Aaron Long struck just ten minutes in, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to give the visitors an early lead. Long's goal put Miami in a precarious position, trailing 2-0 on aggregate. However, the Herons responded with vigor, and it was Messi who ignited the comeback.
In the 35th minute, Messi found the back of the net with a well-placed shot, leveling the score at 1-1 on the night and pulling Miami to within one goal of parity on aggregate. The Argentine's goal was a moment of magic that sent the home crowd into a frenzy, as they believed their team could pull off the impossible.
Despite Miami's equalizer, the drama continued. Just after the hour mark, Noah Allen made a crucial contribution, scoring a second goal for Miami, which was initially credited as an own goal by LAFC’s Ryan Hollingshead. This goal brought the aggregate score to 2-2, giving Miami hope and momentum as they sought a decisive third goal.
However, the match was not without its controversies. A potential third goal from Luis Suárez was disallowed for offside, much to the dismay of the home fans. The tension in the stadium was palpable as Miami pressed for the winning goal, with Messi at the heart of the action, creating chances and testing LAFC's defense.
As the match approached its climax, the referee awarded a penalty to Miami after a handball by LAFC's Marlon Santos. The moment was electric, and Messi stepped up to take the crucial spot-kick. In the 84th minute, he calmly converted the penalty, giving Miami a 3-1 lead on the night and a 3-2 advantage on aggregate. This moment capped off an extraordinary performance by the Argentine, who was instrumental throughout the match.
With only minutes remaining, LAFC attempted to mount a comeback, but Miami's defense held firm. The final whistle blew, signaling a dramatic turnaround and a place in the Champions Cup semi-finals for Inter Miami. This match will be remembered not only for the scoreline but for the resilience and tenacity displayed by the Herons.
Following the match, Inter Miami's head coach, Javier Mascherano, expressed his pride in the team's performance and highlighted Messi's leadership. "Lionel was exceptional tonight. He not only scored but also created opportunities for his teammates. This victory is a testament to our determination and the support of our fans," Mascherano said.
The win marks a significant achievement for Inter Miami, who have now extended their impressive record this season to 8-1-2, including four victories in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. With Messi's recent form, scoring his 40th goal across all competitions since joining the club, the Herons are poised for a deep run in the tournament.
As the team looks ahead to the semi-finals, the excitement in South Florida is palpable. Fans are eager to see how far this talented squad can go, especially with Messi leading the charge. The upcoming matches will surely be filled with anticipation as Inter Miami aims to build on this momentum.
