CONCACAF Champions Cup: Messi’s Brilliance Propels Inter Miami to Semifinals
Fort Lauderdale, April 10, 2025 — In a thrilling comeback, Lionel Messi scored twice to lead Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over Los Angeles FC, securing a spot in the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals with a 3-2 aggregate score.
Early Trouble for Inter Miami
Entering the second leg of the quarterfinals trailing 0-1, Inter Miami found themselves in deeper trouble just nine minutes into the match, when Aaron Long struck for LAFC, giving the visitors a commanding 2-0 lead on aggregate. The pressure was mounting, and Miami needed three goals to keep their Champions Cup dream alive.
Messi’s Magic Turns the Tide
Lionel Messi, as he has done so many times before, stepped up in the 35th minute, curling a brilliant strike from outside the penalty area into the net — a goal that brought Miami back into contention and reignited hope at DRV PNK Stadium.
Dramatic Equalizer and Offside Twist
Inter Miami’s second goal came in chaotic fashion when Noah Allen lobbed a high pass into the box. The ball sailed past midfielder Federico Redondo and LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, eventually ending up in the back of the net, leveling the aggregate at 2-2.
Shortly after, Luis Suárez headed in what seemed to be the go-ahead goal off a Messi assist, but the celebration was short-lived as the assistant referee flagged for offside.
VAR Intervention and Messi’s Match-Winner
In the 84th minute, drama peaked when Inter Miami appealed for a handball by LAFC’s Marlon inside the box. Following a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty, and Messi made no mistake, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and completing Miami’s stunning comeback.
Despite a desperate late offensive surge by LAFC, with Denis Bouanga and Ryan Hollingshead both coming close, goalkeeper Oscar Ustari stood tall to preserve the lead and seal the win.
What’s Next for Inter Miami?
With this victory, Inter Miami progresses to the semifinals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, continuing their impressive international campaign. The team, led by superstars Messi, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Busquets, is fast emerging as a serious title contender.
