In a Leagues Cup 2023 quarterfinal encounter on Friday night, Messi scored in the 86th minute to help Inter Miami defeat Charlotte 4-0. It was his eighth goal in five games with his new team.
Messi Scores as Inter Miami Advances to Semifinal with Convincing Win
Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, defeated Charlotte FC 4-0 to advance quickly to the Major League Soccer (MLS) semi-finals on August 12.
Josef Martinez converted a penalty kick for the first goal. The second goal was scored by Robert Taylor, and Charlotte FC’s seeming demise appeared to be sealed by Adilson Malanda’s own goal in the 78th minute.
But it wasn’t the happily ever after that Messi fans had hoped for. When Leo scored his team’s fourth goal in the 86th minute, the stadium exploded.
Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba—all former Barcelona players—led the way as Miami constantly forced Charlotte to defend. These three, along with Martinez, successfully confused the opposing defenders and produced great outcomes.
As captain of David Beckham’s co-owned Inter Miami, Messi once again took the initiative. With his return to the pitch, the fans’ excitement for their thrilling pursuit of the coveted Leagues Cup crown was sparked.
The DRV PNK Stadium served as the battleground, and the fervent Miami supporters who had congregated there fueled the team’s resolve to advance to the semifinals of this brutally tough tournament. For Inter Miami, the trip has been nothing short of amazing, with Messi’s entrance onto the American football scene leaving an imprint that cannot be erased.
The 36-year-old maestro has scored eight goals and provided one assist so far while sporting the Inter Miami jersey. His collaboration with ex-Barcelona teammates Busquets and Alba has given the group new vitality and helped them advance towards the Leagues Cup 2023 quarterfinal triumph they so ardently seek.
