Here’s how Lionel Messi helped Inter Miami earn semifinal spot in CONCACAF Champions Cup by beating LAFC

Lionel Messi's brace helped Inter Miami to mark a dramatic comeback against Los Angeles (LAFC) and secure a spot in the semifinals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup for the first time in the club's history.

The victory holds major significance for Miami as it was 2-0 down with less than 55 minutes to go during the second leg of the quarter-final round on Wednesday, CNN reported.

CONCACAF Champions Cup Inter Miami vs LAFC: Breakdown

Miami suffered a 1-0 away defeat in the maiden leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final match, which saw a 57th minute goal from Nathan Ordaz, allowing LAFC to take the lead against the other MLS side.


Heading into Wednesday's game with a one-goal deficit, things did not start well for Miami in the second leg as well. In the ninth minute of the game, Aaron Long gave LAFC a dream start that helped the side gain 2-0 advantage over Miami on aggregate.

Long's goal came after a close onside decision allowed him to take control when the ball fell just outside the six-yard box. After this goal, Miami was potentially looking forward to an uphill task as their deficit got doubled.

Eight-time Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Cup winner Lionel Messi turned Miami's fortune around in the 35th minute when the number 10 sent the ball firing into the top corner, thanks to major support from his former Barcelona teammate Luis Suárez.

Prior to this goal, Messi even drew a foul in the 31st minute and took the free kick, hoping to get the ball past LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

In the second half, Suárez again played a significant part when he squared to Noah Allen, who passed the ball to Federico Redondo. The 61st minute goal took the game to 2-1 for the home side as well as 2-2 on aggregate.

Also Read : Who is Jillian Lauren? Weezer bassist’s wife shot by LA cops during manhunt

Lionel Messi's penalty saves the game

With both sides at 2-2 on aggregate, Inter Miami and LAFC decided to go all out and managed to get few chances as time ran out. The game turned to Miami's side in the 84th minute when the home team was awarded a penalty by VAR due to a handball by LAFC defender Marlon Santos.

At this stage of the game, Messi perfectly showcased his calm side as he hit the goal past Lloris and comfortably managed a semifinal berth for Miami in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

The end part of the game saw players getting engaged with each other in a heated argument.

FAQs

1. Who is the coach of Inter Miami?
The MLS side is headed by Javier Mascherano.

2. Who will Inter Miami play next?
The team will next play against Vancouver Whitecaps in the semis.