Messi magic propels Inter Miami to historic semi-final spot

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano has no doubts about Lionel Messi's place in football history.

After yet another defining performance in Miami's 3-1 comeback victory against LAFC in the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals, Mascherano praised his former Argentina teammate for being able to produce the “impossible”

"Messi is the soul of this team,” he said.

“Sometimes I feel uncomfortable talking about him because I've known him for 20 years now, and I have to help him in this stage of his career.

"He's a guy who has everything in football. He's the greatest in history, and he's still making the path and guiding the new generations beyond having won everything until the last day he plays on the pitch.

"He wants to win and will do the impossible. Football is just about wanting, but you have to be able. And he has that ability because he is the greatest of all."

That inspiration was on full display on Wednesday night at DRV PNK Stadium. Despite entering the second leg trailing 1-0 on aggregate, Miami overturned the deficit in dramatic fashion to secure a place in the tournament’s semifinals for the first time in club history.

LAFC seemed poised to progress after Aaron Long’s ninth-minute strike doubled their aggregate lead and placed Miami under immense pressure. Compounding matters was the Concacaf Champions Cup's away-goal rule, which meant Miami would need at least three goals to advance outright.

But just before halftime, Messi ignited Miami’s fightback with a sublime finish. Receiving a pass from long-time collaborator Luis Suárez at the edge of the box, Messi weaved past two defenders before unleashing a pinpoint strike beyond Hugo Lloris. It was a moment of brilliance that brought Miami back into contention and electrified the home crowd.

The momentum continued early in the second half when 20-year-old Noah Allen, a Florida native, levelled the aggregate score with a composed finish. The young defender’s crucial goal highlighting the growing influence of Miami’s emerging talents alongside their iconic captain.

Miami’s resilience was further rewarded late in the game. A handball by LAFC’s Marlon Santos, confirmed by VAR, handed Messi the chance to complete the turnaround. As he has done countless times, Messi converted the penalty in the 84th minute, sealing the 3-1 victory and Miami’s place in the final four.