Lionel Messi Leads Memorable Comeback
- Josue Lopez
- 12 minutes ago
- 2 min read
PHOTO: LAFC Communications
Inter Miami and LAFC have a memorable game at Chase Stadium. Their previous encounter a week prior ended with 1-0 victory for the Black and Gold with a goal by Salvadorian-American Nathan Ordaz.
Without Sergio Busquets and Fafa Picault sitting on the bench, Telasco Segovia and Federico Redondo were in charge to cover such important positions. With numerous doubts in defense, LAFC had Brazilian defender Marlon as a starter instead of Eddie Segura.
Defense were the weakest part of the Black and Gold on in the first 25 minutes; Marlon was efficient on the air defensively and Aaron Long was the one who place the ball in the ner after a corner kick and a scrambled play in the area. The American defender stroke the ball to the net giving LAFC the advantage, this at the ninth minute.
Once LAFC scored, Inter Miami took the momentum. Lionel Messi scored a free kick that was called back because there was no wall. After such controversial call, Messi and Luis Suarez made a set of passes like they used to do back in Barcelona. The speed was not the same, but the efficiency was the usual. Thus, Inter Miami scored the first goal at the 38th minute.
In the Black and Gold´s case, the second half was similar to what happened against Columbus; seeking a counterattack and Hugo Lloris making outstanding saves. However, the final result was not favorable. A great assist by Lionel Messi finished with a header by Noah Allen. In the 84th minute, the Argentine scored a penalty with Panenka style. This was a small reminded of what occurred in the World Cup final in 2022; Hugo Lloris in goal and Lionel Messi in the penalty spot. The result was in favor of the current face of the MLS. This occasion, however, Messi´s victory gave a pass to the next round of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Inter Miami will face surprising victors Vancouver Whitecaps; the other semifinal will be between Liga MX power houses Cruz Azul and Tigres. This garantees a final between an Major League Soccer and Liga MX team.
