In a thrilling encounter at Chase Stadium, Inter Miami pulled off a stunning comeback to defeat Los Angeles FC 3-1 on April 9, 2025, securing their place in the semifinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup for the first time in club history. After losing the first leg 1-0, Miami needed to win by at least two goals to advance, and they did just that, thanks to a stellar performance from Lionel Messi.
The match started on a sour note for the home side as LAFC took an early lead in the 9th minute. Defender Aaron Long found the back of the net after a chaotic sequence in the box, giving Los Angeles a 1-0 advantage and a 2-0 lead on aggregate. However, Miami quickly regrouped, knowing they needed to respond.
Messi, who had a goal disallowed earlier in the match when he took a quick free kick while LAFC's Hugo Lloris was setting up the wall, finally found the breakthrough in the 35th minute. With a magnificent left-footed strike from the edge of the area, he leveled the score at 1-1, igniting the hopes of Miami fans.
As the second half unfolded, Miami continued to build momentum. In the 61st minute, Noah Allen scored to give Miami a 2-1 lead, turning the aggregate score to 2-2. Allen's goal came from a pass by Messi, who showcased his playmaking ability by setting up his teammate with a precise assist.
With the aggregate score tied, the tension in the stadium was palpable. Miami needed one more goal to clinch their spot in the semifinals. The decisive moment came in the 84th minute when Messi was awarded a penalty after a handball by LAFC's Marlon Santos. Calm and composed, Messi stepped up and converted the penalty, sending the crowd into a frenzy and putting Miami ahead 3-1 on the night and 3-2 on aggregate.
Oscar Ustari, Miami's goalkeeper, played a pivotal role in the victory, making crucial saves, including a couple of outstanding stops against LAFC's Denis Bouanga in the dying moments of the match. His performance ensured that Miami held onto their lead and secured the historic win.
"This is a moment that we have been working towards since the beginning of the season," said Messi after the match. "To finally reach the semifinals is a huge achievement for our team, and we will continue to fight for more success in this tournament."
Inter Miami's victory not only marks a significant milestone for the club but also sets up an exciting semifinal matchup. They will face the winner of the quarterfinal clash between Pumas UNAM and Vancouver Whitecaps, who played to a 1-1 draw in their first leg. On the other side of the bracket, Cruz Azul and Tigres UANL have already advanced, eliminating América and LA Galaxy, respectively.
As the match came to a close, the atmosphere in Chase Stadium was electric. Fans celebrated the historic win, chanting and cheering for their team. Messi's influence on the game was undeniable, as he scored two goals and provided an assist, further solidifying his status as one of the greatest players in football history.
With this victory, Inter Miami has now positioned themselves as a formidable contender in the Concacaf Champions Cup, aiming for ultimate glory. The club's journey in this prestigious tournament continues, and the players are eager to build on this success in the upcoming matches.
As the players left the field, the focus shifted to the next challenge. Inter Miami is ready to take on whoever emerges from the Pumas vs. Whitecaps matchup. The club's aspirations are high, and with Messi leading the charge, anything seems possible.
