Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are through to the semi-finals of the 2023 Leagues Cup, following a resounding last-eight win over Charlotte.
After thumping Charlotte 4-0 in the 2023 Leagues Cup quarter-finals, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami will also face a fellow MLS franchise in the next round.
Messi scores again as Miami move into semis
Messi rounded off the scoring as Miami swept to victory at DRV PNK Stadium on Friday - netting his eighth goal in five games for his new team - and the Florida franchise will now visit Philadelphia Union in the semi-finals on Tuesday.
Before Messi’s 88th-minute strike completed Miami’s rout of Charlotte, Josef Martínez and Robert Taylor gave Gerardo Martino’s side a 2-0 half-time lead in Florida, and Charlotte defender Adil Malanda put through his own net with just under a quarter of an hour remaining.
Since Messi made his debut in the team’s Leagues Cup opener against Cruz Azul last month, Miami have won five games in five - albeit their last-16 victory over Dallas was on penalties.
Donavan winner takes Union into last four
Later on Friday, Philadelphia booked their last-four spot with a 2-1 victory over Liga MX club Querétaro, Christopher Donovan scoring the winner deep into stoppage time at Subaru Park. The Union will be the fourth MLS team in a row that Miami have faced in the Leagues Cup; indeed, the Herons have come up against US opposition in every knockout round so far.
You'll be able to stream Philadelphia Union vs Inter Miami live on AppleTV.
Monterrey flying flag for Mexico after LAFC turnaround
Elsewhere in the Leagues Cup quarter-finals, Nashville thrashed Minnesota United 5-0, before Monterrey avoided a clean sweep of American semi-finalists by beating MLS Cup holders Los Angeles FC in Pasadena.
First-half strikes by Dénis Bouanga and Mateusz Bogusz appeared to set LAFC on course for the last four, but Monterrey stunned the Californians by surging back to win the game after the break.
New signing Sergio Canales converted from the spot midway through the second half, before Sergi Palencia’s own goal levelled the tie with 10 minutes remaining at the Rose Bowl. Eight minutes later, Rogelio Funes Mori prodded home a close-range rebound to complete a 3-2 triumph for the Mexicans.
Vezonic22
470
Indeed Messi deserves to be called the Football GOAT. Messi gives an entire league a widespread popularity it has never had, a team a winning spirit it lacked, the fans a hope never seen and even the Media world a story to tell...
Peaceking1234
397
Even Ronaldo knows The Greatest💯😊👑
Shmonny
355
If you need another reminder on how bizarre Lionel Messi's 91 goals in 1 calendar year record is, just know that even goalscoring machine Erling Haaland would need another 62 goals to break it. That record is never going to be broken.
Shmonny
326
Remaining iron man 🤲🏻
Peaceking1234
317
Legends🐐👑 standing with their respective replacements except The G.O.A.T👑💯😊
Factos
294
Imagine he does the black widow or Hulk pose. That would be funny . N the Superman pose ( but DC) with a clutch goal in the final like this.
Peaceking1234
264
Messi was The G.O.A.T even within Legends💯😊, and is still The G.O.A.T🐐👑 within even Best Young Players at the moment💯 , King Leo👑
Shmonny
178
Messi is fantastic happy now 💯
Peaceking1234
150
Is just Pure Greatness💯🐐👑🙌