Inter Miami CF are through to the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals, riding an incredible Lionel Messi-led comeback to a riveting 3-1 victory (3-2 aggregate) over LAFC in Wednesday's quarterfinal Leg 2 at Chase Stadium.
Facing a 2-0 aggregate deficit after LAFC captain Aaron Long found an early opener, Miami erupted for three unanswered goals as Messi scored twice and assisted on the other to book a semifinal series with Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
The Herons' captain first responded with a powerful finish into the top corner (35') past goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. After intermission, he kept the momentum going by assisting Noah Allen for a 61st-minute aggregate equalizer following a chaotic sequence.
Needing one more goal to advance as LAFC held the away-goals tiebreaker, Miami got their chance from the penalty spot in the 84th minute after LAFC center back Marlon was called for a handball on Video Review. Facing off with Lloris, Messi calmly deposited the series-deciding goal from the spot.
Goals
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: The matchup between two of the league’s top clubs more than lived up to the billing with this electric, back-and-forth second leg. With the dust settled, it’s a comeback for the ages for Messi and Miami, and an equally heartbreaking defeat for the Black & Gold, who gave the Herons everything they could handle across both legs.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Messi’s decisive penalty kick was a cinematic moment that saw him get the best of a fellow World Cup-winning legend in Lloris.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: In a career filled with magical moments, the GOAT has added yet another with his latest virtuoso performance.
Next Up
- LAFC: Saturday, April 12 vs. San Jose Earthquakes | 10:30 pm ET (MLS Season Pass) | MLS Regular Season
- MIA: Sunday, April 13 at Chicago Fire FC | 4:30 pm ET (MLS Season Pass, Apple TV+) | MLS Regular Season
