Inter Miami’s thrilling Champions Cup comeback over LAFC is led by Lionel Messi.
Lionel Messi once again proved to be the decisive factor for Inter Miami as they staged a remarkable comeback against LAFC in the second leg of their Champions Cup quarter-final. The Argentinian superstar scored the winning goal from a penalty in the 84th minute, while LAFC squandered several late opportunities to equalize.
The atmosphere was electric from the start. LAFC’s Aaron Long surprised everyone by scoring from a recycled set piece in the 10th minute, giving LAFC a 2-0 aggregate lead and the advantage on away goals.
This early setback made the task very difficult for Messi and Inter Miami. The match quickly turned into a thrilling encounter, typical of the Champions Cup. The intensity was perhaps even greater than Inter Miami’s loss at this stage in Monterrey last year. The joy of the players, coach Javier Mascherano, staff, and club owners David Beckham, Jorge Mas, and Jose Mas was evident at the final whistle.
Inter Miami’s comeback was full of twists and turns. The first major incident occurred in the 30th minute when Miami was awarded a free-kick from 30 yards due to a foul by LAFC’s Ryan Hollingshead, who received a yellow card. Before LAFC’s defense could properly set up, Messi took a quick free-kick and scored. However, the referee disallowed the goal because the rules require a whistle before a free-kick after a yellow card.
But Messi soon scored a goal that couldn’t be denied. He latched onto a deflected through ball and slotted it past Hugo Lloris amidst a crowd of players.
Inter Miami still needed two more goals. The second came in the 61st minute in chaotic circumstances, with the referee overlooking two potential fouls. Federico Redondo sent a high ball into the box, where defender Noah Allen rushed in to head it past Lloris.
Luis Suárez then headed in a cross to seemingly give Miami the lead, but the effort was ruled out for a very marginal offside. Miami’s players were visibly upset with the decision, and LAFC players also showed their discontent with some of the referee’s calls throughout the match.
The decisive moment arrived when LAFC defender Marlon made a significant error. Under no pressure, he handled a high header from Aaron Long in the box. The referee immediately awarded a penalty. This set up another showdown between Messi and Lloris, reminiscent of the 2022 World Cup final. And once again, Messi calmly converted the penalty.
LAFC created opportunities to equalize in the final minutes, but Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari made a series of excellent saves. The most crucial save came in stoppage time, denying Denis Bouanga on a breakaway.
The final moments of the match were filled with intense battles, tough fouls, and exuberant celebrations from Inter Miami. With this victory, they have advanced to the semifinals, where they will face either Vancouver Whitecaps or Pumas.