Lionel Messi was pivotal in one of the most dramatic matches of the season in the U.S., scoring two goals and providing one assist in Inter Miami’s stunning victory over LAFC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals, reports Rks News.
The team from Florida was two goals down, but the comeback began with none other than the World Cup champion himself. First, Messi scored a spectacular goal in the second half, opening the door for the turnaround.
In the final minutes, in a scene that reminded fans of the 2022 World Cup final, the Argentine star faced Hugo Lloris—another football great—and calmly converted a penalty, putting Inter Miami in the lead.
This victory secures the American team a spot in the semifinals of the most prestigious club competition in North and Central America.
“We knew it would be tough, but we never gave up for a second. I’m proud of this team,” Messi remarked after the match.
