The Argentine sensation Lionel Messi was instrumental in Inter Miami’s 3-1 victory over Los Angeles FC on Wednesday, securing a spot in the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-finals after the team recovered a 2-0 aggregate deficit.
With two goals, including a game-winning penalty in the closing minutes that sealed a 3-2 aggregate victory, Lionel Messi proved his permanent capacity to impact games. Even though Messi is 37 years old, this performance demonstrated not just his technical prowess but also his unwavering enthusiasm and commitment.
In order to help his team maintain their lead in the final seconds of stoppage time, Messi engaged in defensive battles, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to the game.
Former Barcelona and Argentina player and Messi’s coach, Javier Mascherano, hailed Messi as the team’s “soul.” He underlined that even if Messi has accomplished everything in football, he still possesses the spirit of competition that motivates his teammates.
Mascherano reaffirmed Messi’s extraordinary capacity to exercise the necessary skills to accomplish his aim in addition to having the will to win.
Miami was up against an early test when Aaron Long gave LAFC the lead in the ninth minute, putting them ahead 1-0 from the first leg in California. Given that the CONCACAF competition’s away goals rule was still in place, which put pressure on Miami to score three goals in order to advance, Long’s goal took on even more significance.
Messi’s swiftly taken free kick almost gave them an equalizer, but it was disallowed after a moment of misunderstanding. However, he soon settled into a rhythm and scored in the 35th minute after linking up with Luis Suarez, a former Barcelona teammate.
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Miami needed two more goals that evening to trail 2-1. When Noah Allen’s chipped ball eluded Miami midfielder Federico Redondo and LAFC goalie Hugo Lloris and into the back of the net, they gained momentum again. Suarez’s attempted third goal was disallowed, which would have strengthened Miami’s position.
The pivotal moment came after a packed play in the box when Miami called for a handball from Marlon. Messi comfortably converted the penalty in the 84th minute to complete Miami’s comeback and guarantee their place in the semi-finals after a VAR review verified the foul.
Former USA international and LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo admitted that his team lost chances to increase their lead, saying that the result was ultimately impacted by their inability to take advantage of good opportunities.
Although his side should have done better, Mascherano acknowledged that their tenacity was admirable. He stressed the value of giving it their best, regardless of errors, highlighting a dedication to the fundamentals of football: aiming for greatness and perseverance all the way to the end.
