- Lionel Messi scored twice and assisted once to send Inter Miami to the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-finals
- Inter came from behind to beat LAFC 3:2 on aggregate after losing the first leg 0:1
- Messi converted a decisive penalty in the 83rd minute after a VAR review
Key Takeaways:
With a stellar performance in the second leg, Lionel Messi sent Inter Miami through to the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup. The Argentine genius dazzled with two goals and an assist, helping his team eliminate Los Angeles FC with a 3:2 aggregate score. Messi’s side had lost the first quarter-final leg 0:1, and early on in the return leg found themselves trailing again after the opponent took the lead in the 9th minute through Aaron Long.
But the 37-year-old world champion took over, swinging the momentum in his team’s favour with a brilliant display and two goals – enough to secure progression.
VAMOSSSSS!!!!! 🙌 @thechampions pic.twitter.com/bwXJ9g64fX
— Leo Messi (@leomessisite) April 10, 2025
Messi first scored from a perfect free kick in the 31st minute, but the celebration lasted only seconds, as the goal was disallowed due to a yellow card shown during the same phase of play. The frustration from the cancelled goal seemed to energise Messi, who went on to equalise in the 35th minute, beating Hugo Lloris to make it 1:1.
Around a quarter of an hour after the break, Noah Allen found the visitors’ net after a superb pass from Messi, putting the Florida team 2:1 ahead in the second leg. Inter Miami continued pressing in search of a decisive goal, and it was once again the Argentine star who delivered the final blow to seal the semi-final spot. In the 83rd minute, the hosts were awarded a penalty following a VAR intervention, and Messi calmly converted to secure the 3:2 aggregate score.
For a place in the final, Inter Miami will face Vancouver Whitecaps, who eliminated Pumas UNAM after a 3:3 aggregate draw (1:1, 2:2), going through on away goals — a rule still in effect in this tournament.