Lionel Messi scored two goals, amidst some debate, guiding Inter Miami to the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals with a 3-1 victory over LAFC (3-2 on aggregate). After an early goal against them, Inter Miami faced a 2-0 aggregate deficit but managed to reverse the situation. Shortly after having a free kick goal controversially disallowed, the Argentine superstar scored a brilliant goal against Hugo Lloris, the same goalkeeper he defeated twice in the 2022 World Cup final.
Noah Allen added a goal in the second half, and a late penalty provided Inter Miami with the opportunity to take the lead, which Messi calmly converted, completing an impressive comeback.
Key Points:
The Disputed Moment
Messi took a free kick in the first half, and as Lloris organized his defensive wall, the referee moved away from the set-piece location. Messi then curled the ball into the net. Lloris was unprepared, but Messi was ready, and initially, the referee seemed to signal a goal. However, about a minute later, the referee reversed his decision, requiring Messi to retake the free kick, which subsequently hit the wall.
This was a contentious situation. It`s understandable to see both perspectives – Messi, who seems likely to stay with Inter Miami, observed the referee move away and assumed he was cleared to proceed, and the referee initially validated the goal. Lloris, in setting up his wall, was anticipating a whistle before play resumed, as is typical.
Messi`s Stunning Goal
Trailing 1-0 in the match and 2-0 on aggregate, Messi successfully brought his team back into contention shortly after the controversial play with a magnificent goal into the upper right corner of the net in the 35th minute:
Messi`s Decisive Goal
Ultimately, Inter Miami scored the two second-half goals they needed to secure the win. The decisive goal was a penalty from Messi, awarded after a handball in the penalty area. Messi calmly slotted the ball into the right side of the goal.
Messi has now converted four penalty kicks against Lloris, including two in the World Cup final (one during regular time and one in the shootout).
Goalkeeper Oscar Ustari made crucial late saves for Inter Miami to preserve their lead. Inter Miami will now compete against the winner of the Vancouver Whitecaps versus Pumas match in the semifinals, placing them potentially 180 minutes away from reaching the most significant game in North American soccer.
