Lionel Messi, Inter Miami win Champions Cup series against LAFC

10-Apr-2025

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Inter Miami is headed to the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals for the first time after Lionel Messi led a dramatic three-goal comeback against Los Angeles FC (LAFC).

The Argentinian star had two goals, including the series-clinching penalty kick in the 84th minute, to lift Inter Miami past LAFC 3-1 on Wednesday night and a 3-2 aggregate win in the two-leg matchup.

“We gave it our all,” Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said. “We wanted it, we wanted to be in the semis, and I think it showed. … Many times luck has to be on your side, and we had it.”

Inter Miami had already lost the series opener at LAFC 1-0 last week, so Aaron Long’s away goal in the ninth minute on Wednesday stunned Inter Miami and handed LAFC a 2-0 aggregate lead early in the return leg.

That meant Inter Miami needed at least three goals from there to advance. It might have seemed unlikely.

With Messi – an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner – all things are possible.

Messi started the rally in the 35th minute, getting loose near the top of the 18-yard box and to tie the match at 1-1, kickstarting the Miami comeback.