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2w ago

Messi Leads Inter Miami to Historic Comeback in Champions Cup Quarterfinals

Inter Miami overturned a two-goal aggregate deficit to defeat LAFC 3-2 and secure their first-ever semifinal berth in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

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Messi dribbles during his two-goal display against LAFC.
Lionel Messi of Inter Miami in action during the CONCACAF Champions Cup 2025 match between Los Angeles Football Club and Inter Miami at BMO Stadium on April 2, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
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Overview

  • Lionel Messi scored twice, including a decisive 84th-minute penalty, to propel Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory in the second leg against LAFC.
  • The win marked a dramatic turnaround after LAFC extended their aggregate lead to 2-0 with Aaron Long's ninth-minute goal.
  • Messi's first goal in the 35th minute and Noah Allen's fluke strike in the 61st minute leveled the aggregate score at 2-2.
  • A VAR-reviewed handball by LAFC defender Marlon set up Messi's game-winning penalty, echoing his World Cup heroics against Hugo Lloris.
  • Inter Miami advances to face the Vancouver Whitecaps in the semifinals later this month, building momentum under coach Javier Mascherano.