Lionel Messi’s incredible goalscoring streak shows no signs of slowing down, and neither does Inter Miami’s winning momentum. The Argentine superstar struck again in the 86th minute, securing his eighth goal in just five matches with his newly adopted club. The result was a resounding victory for Inter Miami, as they cruised past Charlotte FC with a commanding 4-0 triumph in a Leagues Cup quarterfinal showdown on Friday night.
Since joining Inter Miami, Messi has left an indelible mark on the field, finding the back of the net in all five of his appearances. A seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, Messi had previously led Argentina to World Cup glory, and he’s continued to shine in Miami, where he has yet to taste defeat. All five of his matches in the Leagues Cup, a tournament featuring 47 teams from both the MLS and Mexico’s premier league, have resulted in victories, propelling his team to the semifinals.
Looking ahead, Messi’s next challenge awaits in the form of a semifinal match on Tuesday, where Inter Miami will face off against either Queretaro or Philadelphia Union, two formidable contenders from the Mexican league.
Despite a valiant effort from Charlotte FC, who nearly managed to keep Messi off the scoresheet, the dynamic trio of Messi, Josef Martinez, and Robert Thomas delivered an impressive offensive display for Inter Miami. A crucial own goal, triggered by Messi’s relentless pressure, further extended Miami’s lead, with Messi himself providing the final clinching goal in the closing moments of the game.
In a night teeming with sporting action across South Florida, including the Miami Dolphins preseason opener and a pro-am league championship game headlined by Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro, the fervour surrounding Messi remained unmatched. Fans sporting the iconic pink No. 10 jerseys left the DRV PNK Stadium elated, a far cry from the pre-Messi era when Inter Miami struggled, winning just five out of 22 MLS matches.
The Messi effect has been transformative. Under his influence, Inter Miami has not only triumphed in all five Leagues Cup matches but is now just two wins away from securing the coveted trophy. Messi’s impact on the field has been nothing short of phenomenal, creating numerous opportunities and orchestrating the team’s offensive dynamics with precision.
One of his notable chances came in the 30th minute, with skilful short passes setting up an opportunity from close range, which was thwarted by Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina. Despite this early challenge, Inter Miami’s offence proved to be more than enough to secure victory.
The match saw the emergence of several key players, including Josef Martinez, who opened the scoring with a well-taken penalty kick in the 12th minute. Robert Taylor added to the tally, and an own goal sealed Charlotte FC’s fate. Inter Miami’s collective effort, guided by the leadership of Messi, showcased their prowess on the field.
In conclusion, Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami has ushered in an era of unprecedented success. With his scoring streak and match-winning performances, he has propelled his team to the semifinals of the Leagues Cup. The combination of Messi’s expertise, teamwork, and strategic gameplay has elevated Inter Miami’s status in the world of football and kindled the hopes of fans eager to witness his magical journey unfold.
