Argentine Legend Scores Twice as Herons Overcome 2-0 Aggregate Deficit Against LAFC in Chaotic Thriller
Lionel Messi once again proved why he’s considered football’s greatest, scoring twice to lead Inter Miami to a dramatic 3-1 victory (3-2 on aggregate) over Los Angeles FC in a CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final that had everything—controversy, chaos, and a vintage Messi masterclass.
The 37-year-old maestro first leveled the tie with a slick first-half finish before coolly converting an 84th-minute penalty to complete Miami’s comeback. But it was his relentless work rate in stoppage time—chasing down opponents and throwing himself into tackles—that truly showcased his undiminished fire.
“He’s the soul of this team,” said Miami coach Javier Mascherano, Messi’s former Argentina and Barcelona teammate. “He’s the greatest in history, yet he still competes like it’s his last game. That desire to win—and the ability to back it up—is what makes him special.”
The night didn’t start well for Miami, who trailed 1-0 from the first leg. LAFC’s Aaron Long compounded their woes by pouncing on a scrambled ninth-minute corner to put the visitors ahead—a crucial away goal that left Miami needing three to advance.
Messi thought he’d struck back instantly with a quick free-kick that caught Hugo Lloris napping, only for it to be controversially disallowed. Undeterred, he combined with Luis Suárez for a sublime 35th-minute equalizer, curling a first-time finish into the far corner.
The second half was pure theater. A bizarre own goal—a looping chip that evaded both Federico Redondo and Lloris—put Miami ahead on the night before Suárez had a header ruled out for offside. The decisive moment came when VAR spotted a handball by LAFC’s Marlon, allowing Messi to bury the penalty and send DRV PNK Stadium into raptures.
LAFC boss Steve Cherundolo rued missed chances: “We had opportunities to kill the game, but in these competitions, things get chaotic—the antics, the refereeing, everything.”
Mascherano acknowledged his side’s imperfections but praised their spirit: “We made mistakes, but we fought to the end. That’s the mentality we need.”
Miami now advance to face either Monterrey or Columbus in the semifinals, with Messi proving once more that even in the twilight of his career, he remains football’s ultimate difference-maker.
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