Two Lionel Messi goals vs LAFC helped lead Inter Miami to a miraculous 3-1 victory (3-2 on aggregate) to advance to the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals.
Wednesday night’s game at Chase Stadium was packed with drama from start to finish with the Herons’ superstar striking twice.
Messi goals vs LAFC
With Inter Miami needing three goals due to an early LAFC away goal, Messi jumpstarted the comeback with a sensational finish in the 35th minute.
MESSSSSI @InterMiamiCF takes one back! pic.twitter.com/fJAoPTCNYG
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) April 10, 2025
The 37-year-old’s next goal came from the spot and proved to be the winner as Messi bested Hugo Lloris just like he did three years ago in Qatar during the World Cup final.
WHO ELSE!?
MESSI FROM THE SPOT FOR @InterMiamiCF pic.twitter.com/kQq09rnWaU— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) April 10, 2025
The home side were awarded the penalty after a needless handball from Marlon. VAR reviewed the incident and awarded Miami the penalty.
Miami is given a penalty for a handball here pic.twitter.com/BA1zAIf8V3
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) April 10, 2025
Miami defender Noah Allen grabbed Miami’s second goal after a chaotic sequence in the penalty area. Allen lifted the ball toward LAFC’s goal and Federico Redondo went up for a header but didn’t make contact as the ball trickled into the net.
GAME ON!@InterMiamiCF finds the back of the net once again pic.twitter.com/ITxKPHT7eJ
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) April 10, 2025
The two MLS giants had everyone on the edge of their seats with both teams getting great looks at goal in the final stages. The intensity boiled over in the final minutes when Marlon decked Messi and a brawl ensued.
Things are heating up between Miami and LAFC pic.twitter.com/VXTxGi6qEL
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) April 10, 2025
As the dust settled LAFC’s late push for a winner fell short and Inter Miami advance to their first-ever Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal where they will face the winner of Vancouver Whitecaps/Pumas.
What. A. Game.
