Lionel Messi netted a brace as Inter Miami staged a remarkable comeback from a 2-0 deficit against Los Angeles FC, clinching a 3-1 victory (3-2 on aggregate) on Wednesday, and securing their spot in the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
The Argentine World Cup champion proved once again to be the differentiator in a tumultuous, exhilarating match, converting a penalty with just six minutes left in regular time to secure the aggregate win.
At 37 years of age, the eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient demonstrated not only his unmatched skill but also the fervour and determination necessary for a fierce contest.
In the dying moments of stoppage time, Messi was relentless, chasing down opponents and making crucial tackles as his side fought to maintain their lead.
His performance was so impressive that coach Javier Mascherano, a former teammate with both Argentina and Barcelona, described him as the “heart and soul” of the team.
“He’s accomplished everything in football, he’s the greatest of all time, and he continues to exemplify how to compete at the highest level,” Mascherano stated.
“Until the day he hangs up his boots, he will strive to win and will do everything in his power to achieve that. It’s not merely about the desire; he possesses the skill to back it up,” he added.
Having trailed 1-0 after the first leg, Miami found themselves in dire straits when Aaron Long scored for LAFC just nine minutes into the match.
After Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari punched a corner away, Mark Delgado sent it back into the box, where Nathan Ordaz assisted Long, who found the back of the net.
Long’s goal was particularly significant due to the continuing use of the away goals rule in CONCACAF’s club tournament, leaving Miami in urgent need of three goals to keep their campaign alive.
LAFC regret missed opportunities
Messi believed he had levelled the score when he executed a quick free-kick, placing it into the corner while LAFC’s former French international goalkeeper Hugo Lloris was still organising his wall. However, following some confusion, the goal was disallowed. Not to be deterred, Messi quickly made his mark, combining brilliantly with his former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez before slotting a shot into the far corner in the 35th minute.
Yet, Inter still required two more goals in the second half against a dangerous LAFC side, who threatened consistently on the counter-attack, especially through winger Denis Bouanga.
LAFC extended their lead to 2-1 when Noah Allen delivered a clever chip into the box that Miami midfielder Federico Redondo and Los Angeles keeper Hugo Lloris both failed to intercept, resulting in a goal.
As the home crowd began to believe they had secured the necessary third goal when Suarez headed in a cross from Messi, the assistant referee flagged for offside, denying the Uruguayan’s effort.
Hope was revived when Miami appealed for a handball against Marlon during a frantic tussle in the box, leading to a VAR review that confirmed the Brazilian defender’s infringement.
Messi coolly converted the resulting penalty in the 84th minute, sealing the comeback and ensuring Miami’s progression to the semi-finals.
LAFC’s head coach Steve Cherundolo, a former USA international, lamented his team’s inability to extend their lead, saying, “We created several high-quality chances throughout the match, but things turned chaotic. There were sideline antics with referees and benches; that’s standard in this competition, and it played a part,” he remarked.
Mascherano acknowledged that while his team still has areas for improvement, he was thrilled with their resilience.
“We have plenty to work on, but this is the way forward. This is how football should be played. We gave our all, 100%, despite some missteps, and battled until the end,” he concluded.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
Fanpage: SportArena.com.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
