Messi scores twice as Inter Miami eliminates LAFC in Champions Cup

Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to a dramatic 3-1 victory over Los Angeles FC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final second leg at Chase Stadium.

The Herons — trailing on aggregate after a 0-1 first leg defeat — initially fell behind through Aaron Long’s goal in the 9th minute.

Messi then emerged as the difference-maker by scoring twice — once in the 35th minute and another from the penalty spot in the 84th minute. Noah Allen also contributed with a goal in the 61st minute.

This victory sends Inter Miami to the semifinals with a 3-2 aggregate win — an achievement that his eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo has never accomplished in this competition.