Lionel Messi, the Argentine great, has taken Inter Miami to unprecedented heights in just one month.Miami advanced to the CONCACAF Leagues Cup final with a 4-1 victory against Philadelphia Union on Tuesday, putting the team in position to win its first trophy in four seasons of participation.
Messi’s goal against Philadelphia was his ninth in only six games since joining Inter, and he has scored in all six of his League Cup appearances.
After only a few weeks at Inter Miami, Messi is now third on the club’s all-time scoring chart, trailing only compatriot Gonzalo Higuain by 20 goals.
Messi scored in the 20th minute with a low rocket from more than 30 yards out after Josef Martinez opened the scoring for Miami. His shot sailed past Union custodian Andre Blake’s outstretched fingertips and into the net off the right post.
Inter Miami
Jordi Alba of Spain scored a third Miami goal in first-half stoppage time, his first goal in four games since joining Inter, but Alejandro Bedoya of Philadelphia equalised with 17 minutes remaining.
With his fourth goal for Miami after 84 minutes, David Ruiz put an end to any hopes of a late Union comeback.
Nashville SC beat Monterrey 2-0 in the other Leagues Cup semifinal on Tuesday, advancing to the final against Miami.
Certainly not from three Union season-ticket holders who swapped their Union clothing for Messi apparel for a night. Fans lining up for Messi jerseys — authenticity not assured — and those hungry for Messi fries at a food truck.
And especially not from the Union, who, although obviously hoping to win, packed the coffers and garnered more international attention in one night than in any other game in their history.
When Messi was unveiled, the crowd screamed, and they erupted again when he scored past diving custodian Andre Blake. Messi celebrated by running with his arms extended and punching his fist in the air.
