Lionel Messi delivered another iconic performance on Wednesday night, scoring twice to lead Inter Miami CF to a stunning 3-1 victory over Los Angeles FC in the second leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal, overturning a 2-0 aggregate deficit to win 3-2 on aggregate.
The 37-year-old World Cup winner, already a legend of the sport, added another clutch display to his long list of heroics — including a decisive 84th-minute penalty that sealed the comeback and sent Inter Miami into the semifinals for the first time in club history.
“Messi is the soul of this team” – Mascherano
Head coach Javier Mascherano, Messi’s longtime friend and former Argentina teammate, praised the captain’s spirit and leadership.
“Messi is the soul of this team,” said Mascherano.
“He wants to win and will do the impossible. Football is about wanting — but also about ability. And he is the greatest of all.”
Down 2-0 on aggregate after LAFC opened the scoring in the ninth minute, Inter Miami responded with goals from Noah Allen and Messi, who brought not just skill but fire.
In stoppage time, he was seen tracking back and tackling as the team fought to protect their slender lead.
Suárez: “Leo told us to stay calm”
Veteran striker Luis Suárez credited Messi’s composure and guidance for helping settle the team under pressure.
“Leo told us that even if they scored first, we had to stay calm,” Suárez said.
“We needed to score three goals anyway. And with the experience and quality we have, we did it.”
Cherundolo: “Messi had too much freedom”
On the losing side, LAFC manager Steve Cherundolo acknowledged the difficulty of containing Messi, especially in the second half.
“He had too much freedom. You know he’s going to punish you — and make his teammates better,” Cherundolo said.
Next Stop: Pumas UNAM
Inter Miami will now face Pumas UNAM in the semifinals of the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup, hoping to continue their historic run toward continental glory and a potential berth at the FIFA Club World Cup.
