Lionel Messi scored two goals, leading Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory against LAFC (3-2 on aggregate) and securing a spot in the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals. Despite conceding an early goal and being down 2-0 on aggregate, Inter Miami managed to turn the game around.
Shortly after having a free kick goal disallowed due to a referee decision, Messi, the Argentine superstar, scored an incredible goal against Hugo Lloris. Lloris was the same goalkeeper Messi scored twice against in the 2022 World Cup final.
Noah Allen added another goal in the second half. Later, a penalty, confidently converted by Messi, gave Inter Miami the lead in this exciting comeback.
The Disallowed Goal Controversy
In the first half, Messi took a free kick. As Lloris was organizing his defensive wall, the referee moved away from the area. Messi then curled the ball into the goal. Lloris was unprepared, but Messi took the shot as the referee hadn`t clearly signaled to wait. Initially, the referee indicated a goal but then changed his decision about a minute later, making Messi retake the free kick, which subsequently hit the wall.
This was a very debatable moment. It`s understandable why Messi might have thought he could proceed when the referee moved away. The referee initially also seemed to allow the goal. Lloris, on the other hand, was still setting up and expecting a whistle to restart play.
Messi`s Stunning Goal
Trailing 1-0 in the match and 2-0 on aggregate, Messi brought his team back into contention shortly after the controversial free kick incident. He scored a fantastic goal into the top right corner of the net in the 35th minute.
Messi Seals the Win
Ultimately, Inter Miami scored the two second-half goals needed to win. The decisive goal was a penalty from Messi, awarded after a handball in the penalty area. Messi calmly placed the penalty into the right side of the goal.
Messi has now scored two penalties against Lloris, both to the right side of the goal, including one in the 2022 World Cup final shootout and this one.
Goalkeeper Oscar Ustari made crucial late saves for Inter Miami to secure the victory. Now, Inter Miami will compete in the semifinals against the winner of the match between Vancouver Whitecaps and Pumas, putting them within reach of the most significant final in North American soccer.
