Lionel Messi, the unstoppable force, once again showcased his brilliance as Inter Miami triumphed over Charlotte, securing a well-deserved spot in the Leagues Cup semifinals. And here’s the kicker – Inter Miami didn’t even require Messi’s magic to light up the scoreboard on Friday.
With a resounding 4-0 victory over Charlotte, Inter Miami’s journey through the Leagues Cup continues to be nothing short of awe-inspiring. Their meteoric rise since the addition of one of soccer’s greatest legends is sending shockwaves throughout the sports world. Hold on tight, as their next challenge awaits: a showdown against the Philadelphia Union, scheduled for Tuesday.
Messi, riding a phenomenal five-game scoring streak, chose the opportune moment, the 88th minute, to etch his name onto the scoresheet, sealing Miami’s fourth and final goal
But that’s not all. Prior to Messi’s late-game heroics, the Miami goalscoring spectacle unfolded in dramatic fashion. Josef Martínez’s unerring penalty kick, Robert Taylor’s artful conversion of a pinpoint cross, and an unexpected Charlotte own goal collectively fueled Miami’s fiery offensive display. The dynamic duo of Martínez and Taylor struck early, with Martínez seizing the lead in the 12th minute and Taylor brilliantly following suit in the 32nd. And then, the proverbial icing on the cake – the own goal that effectively put Charlotte’s hopes to rest in the 78th minute.
The victory showcased, once again, the monumental strides that Inter Miami has taken since the inclusion of the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, Messi. Dominating possession with a staggering 62.2% and out-passing Charlotte with a remarkable tally of 702-413, Miami’s display of strategic brilliance was second to none. Even the Charlotte own goal was a testament to the relentless pressure exerted by Miami’s offensive juggernaut. Goalkeeper Drake Callender, a spectator for much of the match, finally sprung into action midway through the second half.
Think about this: Inter Miami entered the Leagues Cup with a less-than-stellar MLS record of 5-3-14. But what we’re witnessing now is an extraordinary metamorphosis – a turnaround that seemed improbable, if not impossible. The spark behind this fiery resurgence? Messi himself. Since his arrival, Miami has unleashed an astonishing torrent of goals – 17, to be precise – across just five matches. And let’s not forget, these matches have been a blend of heart-pounding thrillers and decisive blowouts. Of those 17 goals, Messi has personally netted eight and assisted in three more.
The spotlight on the MLS is growing brighter by the day, and the numbers from Apple TV confirm that eyes are firmly fixed on the action. With this surge in attention, the pressure on Miami is bound to intensify. However, fear not. The 36-year-old Messi, a titan of the sport, has embraced the challenge with unwavering resolve, proving time and again that he’s more than up to the task at hand.
