Lionel Messi once again proved his clutch brilliance, leading Inter Miami to a dramatic 3-1 comeback victory over LAFC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals. The Argentine superstar scored a decisive penalty in the 84th minute to seal his team’s place in the semifinals after a tense and thrilling encounter at BMO Stadium.
LAFC stunned the visitors early when Aaron Long opened the scoring just 10 minutes into the match. But Messi responded in typical fashion, equalizing before halftime with a moment of magic. Picking up a deflected pass in a crowded box, he expertly picked his spot, firing past goalkeeper Hugo Lloris to level the score.
Inter Miami took control in the second half, with defender Noah Allen sneaking in to head home a Federico Redondo cross in the 61st minute. The match reached its climax when LAFC’s Marlon was penalized for a handball, allowing Messi to step up and coolly convert the penalty for his second goal of the night.
The final minutes saw heated challenges and late drama, but Miami held firm to secure their place in the semifinals, where they will face either the Vancouver Whitecaps or Pumas UNAM.
Messi’s heroics continue to define Inter Miami’s season, he has now scored eight goals and provided three assists in just nine appearances this campaign, taking his career tally to an astonishing 858 goals. With his leadership, Miami remains on course for continental glory.
Messi Inspires Inter Miami’s Stunning Comeback to Reach CONCACAF Champions Cup Semifinals
