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Lionel Messi and Miami complete unthinkable 3-goal comeback to advance to Champions Cup semis

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.

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.

The home side were awarded the penalty after a needless handball from Marlon. VAR reviewed the incident and awarded Miami the penalty.

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.

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.

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.

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