Messi Leads Inter Miami to Concacaf Champions Cup Semifinals after LAFC Victory

Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to a dramatic 3-1 victory over LAFC in the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals — securing his team’s advancement to the semifinals.

Despite conceding in the 9th minute, Inter Miami bounced back with goals from Noah Allen and a Messi penalty in the 84th minute.

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano praised Messi’s influence: “Messi is the soul of this team — I’ve known him for 20 years and he continues to guide new generations despite having won everything.”

“Leo told us during the game that we needed to stay calm. With the experience and players we have, we managed to do it,” revealed Luis Suarez.

LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo acknowledged his team’s struggle against Messi: “We couldn’t put enough pressure on him in the second half — he will punish you along with his teammates.”

Inter Miami will now face Pumas UNAM in the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals.