Lionel Messi scores again as Inter Miami thrash Charlotte FC to reach Leagues Cup semi-finals
Lionel Messi has continued his impressive scoring run with Inter Miami, netting his eighth goal in a recent Leagues Cup quarterfinal match against Charlotte FC.
The game, which took place in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, ended in a resounding 4-0 victory for Inter Miami. Despite the high expectations that come with being one of the world’s greatest players, Messi had a relatively quiet night, scoring only once in the late stages of the game from a cross by Leonardo Campana.
However, his presence on the field was instrumental in creating an own goal in the second half, effectively putting the match beyond Charlotte FC’s reach. Inter Miami, currently at the bottom of the Major League Soccer Eastern Conference, has seen a significant turnaround since Messi’s arrival.
The team boasts a record of four wins and one draw since Messi’s debut in the tournament opener, and has now advanced to the semifinals of the Leagues Cup, a competition featuring all 47 teams from MLS and Mexico’s Liga MX.
If Inter Miami secures a win in either the semifinals or the third-place match, they will qualify for next year’s CONCACAF Champions Cup, marking the club’s first appearance in a continental competition.
Charlotte FC, on the other hand, struggled to make an impact during the match, failing to register a shot on target before halftime and finishing with just three. Their performance was reminiscent of their regular season form, where they conceded a league-worst 40 goals.
Messi’s contribution to Inter Miami extends beyond his eight goals; he has also provided three assists, helping the team outscore its opponents 17-6 in the tournament. His teammates Josef Martinez and Robert Taylor also played crucial roles in securing the victory against Charlotte FC, scoring in the 12th and 32nd minutes respectively.
Despite leading by three goals, Inter Miami’s manager Tata Martino chose to keep Messi on the field in the closing stages of the match. Messi rewarded this decision by scoring in the 86th minute with a one-touch finish.
