Lionel Messi’s goal-scoring prowess knows no bounds, and so does Inter Miami’s winning streak. In a thrilling League Cup quarterfinal clash on Friday night, Messi netted his eighth goal in five matches with his new club, propelling Inter Miami to a resounding 4-0 victory over Charlotte FC.
The match saw Messi’s uncanny ability to find the back of the net, with his 86th-minute strike sealing the deal for Inter Miami. This latest goal marked his fifth consecutive appearance on the scoresheet since joining Miami, leaving opponents awestruck. The renowned seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, who led Argentina to World Cup glory the previous year, remains unbeaten in all his outings with Miami, clinching victory in all five matchups thus far in the League Cup. This prestigious event comprises 47 teams from both the MLS and Mexico’s top league, which is now narrowing down to the final four contenders.
Messi and his rejuvenated club are now set for a semifinal showdown on Tuesday against either Mexican powerhouse Queretaro or the Philadelphia Union.
Charlotte FC , despite their best efforts, found it challenging to prevent Messi from leaving his mark. The match also saw goals from Josef Martinez and Robert Thomas, with an own goal further amplifying Inter Miami’s lead under the pressure created by Messi. The Argentinian maestro himself delivered the perfect clincher in the dying moments, solidifying the victory.
Despite fierce competition from various other sporting events in the South Florida sports landscape, including the Miami Dolphins’ preseason opener and the Miami Marlins’ faceoff against the New York Yankees, the fans at the 22,000-seat DRV PNK Stadium exhibited Messi-mania in full force. The fervour around the new pink No. 10 jerseys was palpable, highlighting the meteoric rise of the Messi era and the euphoria among Inter Miami’s supporters.
Comparing the pre-Messi and Messi eras at Inter Miami paints a vivid picture of transformation. Prior to Messi’s arrival, the club had managed only five wins out of 22 MLS matches in the current season. However, with Messi in the lineup, Inter Miami has triumphed in all five of their League Cup encounters and is now just two wins away from clinching the coveted trophy.
Throughout the match, Messi showcased his incredible skill set. His first prime opportunity materialised 30 minutes into the game, as a series of deft passes on the left flank set him up for a close-range chance. However, Charlotte’s goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina thwarted his attempt, preserving the narrow 1-0 lead at that point.
Inter Miami, it turned out, had already amassed sufficient offensive power. Another golden opportunity emerged in the 69th minute, with Messi orchestrating a pass to Taylor before receiving the ball back. Finding himself with an open net, Messi’s shot from about 12 yards out was deflected away, leading him to glance skyward with a wry smile.
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