In a thrilling encounter at Chase Stadium on April 9, 2025, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami pulled off a stunning comeback to defeat LAFC 3-1 in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal, securing a 3-2 aggregate victory and advancing to the semifinals.
The match started ominously for the Herons when LAFC's Aaron Long opened the scoring just nine minutes in, capitalizing on a corner kick to put Miami on the back foot. The early goal meant Inter Miami needed three goals to advance, as they were trailing 1-0 from the first leg.
Despite the daunting task ahead, Messi was determined to lead his team back into contention. He leveled the match in the 35th minute with a brilliant left-footed shot that found the back of the net, much to the delight of the home crowd. However, Inter Miami still faced a 2-1 deficit on aggregate at halftime.
The second half saw Miami ramp up the pressure, and in the 61st minute, they found a second goal when Noah Allen scored following a chaotic sequence in the box. The goal momentarily tied the match at 2-2 on aggregate, reigniting hopes of advancing.
However, the drama didn't stop there. In the 67th minute, Luis Suárez appeared to have scored the crucial third goal for Miami, but the referee disallowed it after a VAR review determined he was offside. This decision sparked frustration among the Miami players and fans, as many believed the call was incorrect.
As the match progressed, tensions rose, and a pivotal moment arrived in the 84th minute. LAFC's Marlon Santos was called for a handball in the box, leading to a penalty for Inter Miami. Messi stepped up to take the spot-kick, coolly converting it with a panenka that left LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris no chance. This goal not only put Miami ahead on aggregate but also solidified Messi's status as the hero of the night.
With the score at 3-2 on aggregate, Inter Miami held on for the victory, despite LAFC's attempts to claw back into the match. Oscar Ustari, Miami's goalkeeper, made crucial saves in the dying minutes to preserve the lead, ensuring that the celebrations could commence in Fort Lauderdale.
Inter Miami's head coach, Javier Mascherano, expressed his pride in the team's resilience, noting that they had faced significant adversity but managed to overcome it. "We knew we had to fight for every inch, and the players delivered a fantastic performance tonight," Mascherano said.
Messi's performance was nothing short of spectacular, earning him the Player of the Match title with a rating of 9.6/10. His two goals and leadership on the pitch were instrumental in Miami's comeback. The Argentine superstar's ability to perform in critical moments continues to amaze fans and analysts alike.
As Inter Miami progresses to the semifinals, they await the winner of the matchup between Vancouver Whitecaps and Pumas UNAM. This victory marks a significant milestone for the franchise, as it is their first time reaching the semifinals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup since Messi joined the team.
The road ahead will not be easy, as they will face tougher opponents in the semifinals, but with Messi leading the charge, there is a palpable sense of optimism in Miami. The Herons have already claimed two trophies since Messi's arrival, and the prospect of adding a third is now within reach.
Fans are excitedly looking forward to what lies ahead, as the team continues to build momentum in both domestic and international competitions. With Messi, Suárez, and their talented squad, Inter Miami is poised to make a deep run in the tournament.
As the dust settles on this thrilling quarterfinal clash, one thing is clear: Lionel Messi remains a force to be reckoned with, and Inter Miami's journey in the CONCACAF Champions Cup is far from over.
