Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari also played a crucial role, making several key saves in the dying moments to preserve his team's lead.
In a thrilling encounter at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Inter Miami CF secured a 3-1 victory over Los Angeles FC (LAFC) on Wednesday night. Inter Miami overturned a first-leg deficit to advance to the Concacaf Champions Cup semi-finals with a 3-2 aggregate win. Fans once again got to witness Lionel Messi’s brilliance as he scored twice and provided an assist, leading Inter Miami to a memorable comeback.
Inter Miami were sent on the back foot early on as LAFC extended their overall lead to 2-0 when Aaron Long found the net in the ninth minute. Messi scored a quickly-taken free kick in the first half, but his goal was disallowed as the referee ruled that the Argentine had started the play before his whistle. However, Messi was not be denied again. In the 35th minute, Messi ignited the comeback by receiving a pass from Luis Suarez and delivering a precise left-footed shot past goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
The momentum shift continued in the 61st minute when Noah Allen gave Inter Miami a 2-1 lead on the night and leveled the aggregate score at 2-2. Allen received a pass from Lionel Messi near the edge of LAFC’s penalty area. Allen lofted the ball toward goal with a clever touch and to everyone’s surprise, the ball evaded everyone and settled in the back of the net.
As the match approached the final ten minutes, Inter Miami increased the pressure. As a result, a handball by LAFC’s Marlon Santos led to a penalty in the 84th minute. Messi confidently converted the spot-kick, securing the 3-1 victory. Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari also played a crucial role, making several key saves in the dying moments to preserve his team’s lead.
The victory propelled Inter Miami into the Concacaf Champions Cup semi-finals for the first time in the club’s history. They will face Vancouver Whitecaps in the next round, who drew 2-2 with Pumas and advanced on away goals. Tristan Blackmon scored a stoppage-time equalizer to help the Canadian team book their spot in the semis.
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