Lionel Messi, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, continued his scintillating performance by scoring in his fifth consecutive game for Inter Miami CF, propelling the team into the Leagues Cup semifinals with a commanding 4-0 victory over Charlotte FC. The match took place on Friday at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, before a crowd of almost 22,000 spectators.
Messi’s eighth goal since joining Inter Miami came in the final four minutes, sealing a perfect finale for the home fans. His goal topped off a three-goal lead, demonstrating Miami’s dominance throughout the game.
The team is now set to face last year’s Eastern Conference champions, Philadelphia Union, on Tuesday. This confrontation comes as part of Inter Miami’s extraordinary resurgence since Messi’s arrival.
Josef Martínez opened the scoring for Miami in the 12th minute, converting a penalty for the second time in three games. Messi’s run into the penalty box distracted multiple Charlotte defenders around the half-hour mark, enabling U.S. international DeAndre Yedlin to set up Robert Taylor for Miami’s second goal.
Charlotte coach Christian Lattanzio acknowledged Messi’s game-changing abilities, stating, “When you have Messi, you know he just needs a chance. He just needs one second.”
Messi does it again 🔥🔥
5 games straight✅
8 goals✅Campana to Messi for our fourth 👏#MIAvCLT | 4-0 pic.twitter.com/l7amAxwzrB
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 12, 2023
The influence of Messi’s arrival extends beyond the team’s overall performance, benefiting individual players like Robert Taylor. The Finnish midfielder’s scoring rate has increased significantly, moving from five goals in 52 MLS appearances to four goals in five games alongside Messi.
From being one of the lowest scoring teams in MLS, averaging just a goal per game, Miami has experienced a dramatic turnaround. They now average over three goals per game since the arrival of Messi, who has scored more than 800 career goals.
Miami’s defense held firm, conceding no goals after a wild round-of-16 victory at FC Dallas on Sunday. Sergio Busquets, Messi’s former Barcelona teammate, effectively shielded Miami’s backline. Charlotte didn’t get a shot on target until the 55th minute and despite posing more of an attacking threat after half-time, they barely troubled Miami.
Messi remained instrumental in the game’s concluding moments, releasing Diego Gomez with an exquisite pass down the left, resulting in an own goal by Charlotte defender Adilson Malanda.
Busquets expressed his joy at reuniting with Messi, stating, “It’s beautiful to play with each other again.”
Heading to the @LeaguesCup Semis in fashion😎#MIAvCLT pic.twitter.com/0TP64MaVmg
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 12, 2023
Messi’s goal, assisted by Leonardo Campana, was the icing on the cake for the spectators, including Argentina’s World Cup-winning coach Lionel Scaloni. With this goal, Messi surpassed Minnesota United FC’s Bongokuhle Hlongwane as the leading scorer in the Leagues Cup.
This victory marks the second consecutive game and third time in four matches where Miami netted four goals. This is part of a significant upturn for a team that has been languishing at the bottom of Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference.
Inter Miami is now just two victories away from securing the first trophy in its short history, and potentially adding a 44th accolade to the illustrious career of their new superstar, Lionel Messi.
