By rikififi90 
On a thrilling night at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Lionel Messi once again proved why he’s regarded as one of football’s all-time greats. Facing a passionate crowd, the Argentine superstar scored twice and spearheaded Inter Miami’s stunning 3-1 comeback against Los Angeles FC in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals. This victory on Wednesday, April 9, overturned a 1-0 deficit from the first leg, securing a 3-2 aggregate win and a spot in the semifinals. The match will go down as one of the most unforgettable moments of Inter Miami’s season, fueling their ambitions for a continental title.
The game kicked off with Inter Miami in a tough spot. After losing the first leg in Los Angeles, where Nathan Ordaz scored the lone goal, the home side faced an early setback when LAFC’s Aaron Long headed in a corner just nine minutes in, quieting the stadium. With the aggregate score at 2-0, the task seemed daunting against a defensively solid and elimination-tested LAFC side. The visitors looked poised to advance, capitalizing on their lead and the pressure mounting on Inter Miami.
Undeterred, Messi refused to let the script end there. At the 35-minute mark, he received the ball outside the box, danced past two defenders with his trademark flair, and unleashed a curling shot into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Hugo Lloris helpless. The breathtaking goal reignited the team and the fans, who roared back to life, pushing Inter Miami forward. Though still trailing on aggregate, the hosts closed the first half with renewed momentum, setting the stage for a dramatic second half.
Turning the tide
The second half brought even more intensity to the contest. Under Javier Mascherano’s guidance, Inter Miami returned with a bolder approach, pressing higher to exploit gaps in LAFC’s setup. At the 60th minute, fortune favored the home side in an unexpected twist. Federico Redondo fired a shot from distance, only for it to deflect off LAFC’s Noah Allen and trickle past Lloris, tying the aggregate at 2-2. While this leveled the scoreline, Inter Miami still needed one more goal to advance, as away goals remained the tiebreaker.
Messi stepped up again when it mattered most. In the 84th minute, after a chaotic scramble in the box, Mexican referee César Ramos Palazuelos reviewed a play via VAR and awarded Inter Miami a penalty. The Argentine calmly slotted the ball past a motionless Lloris, who guessed wrong, making it 3-1. The stadium erupted as the aggregate swung to 3-2, clinching Inter Miami’s place in the semifinals and etching the night into club lore.
Messi’s staggering stats with Inter Miami
Lionel Messi’s masterful display underscored his indispensable role since joining Inter Miami in 2023. His brace against LAFC brought his tally to 38 goals in 43 appearances, cementing him as the club’s all-time leading scorer. Coupled with 18 assists in official matches, his influence extends far beyond scoring, shaping plays and leading by example on the pitch.
In the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup alone, Messi has notched four goals and two assists across seven games, boasting an average of 0.85 direct goal involvements per match. Against LAFC, he took five shots, three on target, and completed 87% of his passes, showcasing his precision and technical mastery at age 37. These figures highlight why he remains a game-changer, even in the twilight of his career.
Inter Miami’s road to the semifinals
Inter Miami’s journey to the CONCACAF semifinals has been anything but straightforward. In the round of 16, they dispatched Jamaica’s Cavalier with a commanding 4-0 aggregate, Messi contributing a goal in the second leg. The team’s campaign reflects consistency, with seven wins in eight matches so far. At home, they’re unbeaten, claiming victory in all four Chase Stadium outings.
This 2025 season has been a standout for Inter Miami. Beyond their CONCACAF success, they top the MLS Eastern Conference with 14 points from seven games, the only unbeaten side in the league. The Messi-Luis Suárez partnership, blending goals and assists, has been a cornerstone of this remarkable run.
- First leg: LAFC 1-0 Inter Miami (Nathan Ordaz)
- Second leg: Inter Miami 3-1 LAFC (Messi [2], Noah Allen own goal; Aaron Long for LAFC)
- Aggregate: Inter Miami 3-2 LAFC
The foe that fell to Messi
Los Angeles FC arrived in Fort Lauderdale with confidence, holding a first-leg advantage and a strong record against Inter Miami, having won three of their last four encounters. They advanced to the quarterfinals after ousting Columbus Crew 4-2 on aggregate, proving their mettle home and away. Steve Cherundolo’s squad aimed to repeat past CONCACAF runs, having reached the final in 2020 and 2023.
Despite the loss, LAFC showed flashes of quality. Aaron Long, who scored the opener, anchored their backline, while Hugo Lloris made key saves before succumbing to Messi’s brilliance. Nathan Ordaz, the 21-year-old striker who scored in the first leg, couldn’t replicate his impact in the return match, fading under Inter Miami’s pressure.
THE COMEBACK‼️ pic.twitter.com/j8Vorvf2ZP
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) April 10, 2025
Overcoming the odds
Trailing 2-0 on aggregate against a team with LAFC’s pedigree demanded a near-perfect performance from Inter Miami. Javier Mascherano opted for an attacking setup, with Sergio Busquets dictating play from midfield and Jordi Alba overlapping on the left to stretch the defense. The strategy paid off as the team clawed back into contention.
Fresh off an adductor injury that sidelined him earlier in the year, Messi looked fully fit, weaving through defenders and dictating the tempo. Luis Suárez, though goalless, harried LAFC’s backline, creating space for his teammates. The 18,000-strong crowd at Chase Stadium amplified the effort, their energy palpable after Messi’s first goal shifted the momentum.
What’s next in CONCACAF
With LAFC dispatched, Inter Miami awaits the winner of Vancouver Whitecaps versus Pumas of Liga MX in the semifinals. The first leg between those teams ended 1-1, with the return match set for next week. Regardless of the opponent, Inter Miami’s current form makes them a formidable contender as the competition heats up.
The CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals are slated for April 29-30 (first legs) and May 6-7 (second legs). The champion earns a berth in the FIFA Club World Cup, set for June 15 to July 13 in the U.S. Already qualified via the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, Inter Miami now chases CONCACAF glory to cap their rise.
Tactical breakdown of the comeback
Tactically, Inter Miami turned the game in the second half. Mascherano pushed Federico Redondo higher to disrupt LAFC’s build-up, while subbing in Fafa Picault for Telasco Segovia at halftime added pace on the flanks. These tweaks opened up the game, allowing more chances to flow.
LAFC, after taking the lead, dropped into a five-man defensive shell, aiming to protect their advantage. Yet, this couldn’t contain Messi, who exploited gaps with ruthless efficiency. Noah Allen’s own goal epiturized the pressure Inter Miami applied, forcing mistakes from a usually composed side.
A milestone for the club
Reaching the CONCACAF semifinals marks a turning point for Inter Miami, a club founded in 2018 still carving its legacy in North American soccer. Messi’s arrival has catalyzed a transformation, elevating them from upstarts to genuine contenders across competitions.
Pre-Messi, Inter Miami struggled, with inconsistent MLS seasons and early CONCACAF exits. In 2024, they fell to Monterrey in the quarterfinals despite his presence. Now, in 2025, they exhibit greater resilience, as evidenced by this comeback, blending youth and veteran savvy seamlessly.
The win over LAFC showcased the squad’s depth. Busquets’ pinpoint passing and Alba’s dynamism complemented Messi’s heroics, while Suárez’s work rate kept the attack fluid. This synergy has Inter Miami dreaming bigger than ever before.
Messi’s influence on U.S. soccer
Lionel Messi’s tenure at Inter Miami is reshaping soccer in the U.S. and CONCACAF region. Since his debut, ticket sales, jersey purchases, and global attention have soared. Nights like the LAFC clash draw fans worldwide, captivated by his Stateside chapter.
Chase Stadium’s 18,000 seats can’t keep up with demand, prompting plans for a 25,000-capacity venue by late 2025. Meanwhile, matchups against star-laden teams like LAFC, featuring Hugo Lloris and Olivier Giroud, signal the MLS and CONCACAF’s rising competitive edge.
Key moments in stats
Inter Miami’s triumph was a team effort, elevated by Messi’s magic. Here’s a snapshot of the game’s defining stats:
- Possession: Inter Miami 58% vs. LAFC 42%
- Shots: Inter Miami 14 (6 on target) vs. LAFC 9 (3 on target)
- Passes completed: Inter Miami 412 vs. LAFC 317
- Fouls: Inter Miami 11 vs. LAFC 15
These numbers underline Inter Miami’s dominance, particularly in the second half, where they seized control and sealed the comeback.
Upcoming challenges
Beyond CONCACAF, Inter Miami’s 2025 slate is packed. They face Atlanta United in the MLS this Sunday, a road test to preserve their Eastern Conference lead. Maintaining momentum away from home will be crucial.
In the CONCACAF semifinals, they’ll meet either Vancouver or Pumas, a matchup that could pit them against Liga MX’s storied pedigree. Preparations are underway, with Mascherano fine-tuning the squad for another high-stakes battle.
The FIFA Club World Cup looms in June, where Inter Miami joins FC Porto, Palmeiras, and Al Ahly in Group A. Kicking off June 19 in Atlanta, it’s a chance to test themselves globally—Messi, a four-time winner with Barcelona, knows the stakes well.
Semifinal schedule
Inter Miami fans eagerly await the CONCACAF timeline:
- First legs: April 29-30
- Second legs: May 6-7
- Final: June 3 (single match, venue TBD)
With three weeks until the semifinals, the team has time to regroup and peak for the next round.
A night to remember
Overcoming a 2-0 aggregate deficit against a powerhouse like LAFC cements this as a defining moment for Inter Miami. Messi, with his brace, orchestrated a comeback that defied doubters, proving his fire still burns bright. The Chase Stadium faithful witnessed history, a testament to his enduring genius.
The game highlighted the squad’s balance—Redondo’s tenacity, Busquets’ composure, and Messi’s brilliance meshed perfectly. This 3-1 win wasn’t just a ticket to the semifinals; it was a statement of intent from a club on the rise, leaving LAFC to rue a missed opportunity.
On a thrilling night at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Lionel Messi once again proved why he’s regarded as one of football’s all-time greats. Facing a passionate crowd, the Argentine superstar scored twice and spearheaded Inter Miami’s stunning 3-1 comeback against Los Angeles FC in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals. This victory on Wednesday, April 9, overturned a 1-0 deficit from the first leg, securing a 3-2 aggregate win and a spot in the semifinals. The match will go down as one of the most unforgettable moments of Inter Miami’s season, fueling their ambitions for a continental title.
The game kicked off with Inter Miami in a tough spot. After losing the first leg in Los Angeles, where Nathan Ordaz scored the lone goal, the home side faced an early setback when LAFC’s Aaron Long headed in a corner just nine minutes in, quieting the stadium. With the aggregate score at 2-0, the task seemed daunting against a defensively solid and elimination-tested LAFC side. The visitors looked poised to advance, capitalizing on their lead and the pressure mounting on Inter Miami.
Undeterred, Messi refused to let the script end there. At the 35-minute mark, he received the ball outside the box, danced past two defenders with his trademark flair, and unleashed a curling shot into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Hugo Lloris helpless. The breathtaking goal reignited the team and the fans, who roared back to life, pushing Inter Miami forward. Though still trailing on aggregate, the hosts closed the first half with renewed momentum, setting the stage for a dramatic second half.
Turning the tide
The second half brought even more intensity to the contest. Under Javier Mascherano’s guidance, Inter Miami returned with a bolder approach, pressing higher to exploit gaps in LAFC’s setup. At the 60th minute, fortune favored the home side in an unexpected twist. Federico Redondo fired a shot from distance, only for it to deflect off LAFC’s Noah Allen and trickle past Lloris, tying the aggregate at 2-2. While this leveled the scoreline, Inter Miami still needed one more goal to advance, as away goals remained the tiebreaker.
Messi stepped up again when it mattered most. In the 84th minute, after a chaotic scramble in the box, Mexican referee César Ramos Palazuelos reviewed a play via VAR and awarded Inter Miami a penalty. The Argentine calmly slotted the ball past a motionless Lloris, who guessed wrong, making it 3-1. The stadium erupted as the aggregate swung to 3-2, clinching Inter Miami’s place in the semifinals and etching the night into club lore.
Messi’s staggering stats with Inter Miami
Lionel Messi’s masterful display underscored his indispensable role since joining Inter Miami in 2023. His brace against LAFC brought his tally to 38 goals in 43 appearances, cementing him as the club’s all-time leading scorer. Coupled with 18 assists in official matches, his influence extends far beyond scoring, shaping plays and leading by example on the pitch.
In the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup alone, Messi has notched four goals and two assists across seven games, boasting an average of 0.85 direct goal involvements per match. Against LAFC, he took five shots, three on target, and completed 87% of his passes, showcasing his precision and technical mastery at age 37. These figures highlight why he remains a game-changer, even in the twilight of his career.
Inter Miami’s road to the semifinals
Inter Miami’s journey to the CONCACAF semifinals has been anything but straightforward. In the round of 16, they dispatched Jamaica’s Cavalier with a commanding 4-0 aggregate, Messi contributing a goal in the second leg. The team’s campaign reflects consistency, with seven wins in eight matches so far. At home, they’re unbeaten, claiming victory in all four Chase Stadium outings.
This 2025 season has been a standout for Inter Miami. Beyond their CONCACAF success, they top the MLS Eastern Conference with 14 points from seven games, the only unbeaten side in the league. The Messi-Luis Suárez partnership, blending goals and assists, has been a cornerstone of this remarkable run.
- First leg: LAFC 1-0 Inter Miami (Nathan Ordaz)
- Second leg: Inter Miami 3-1 LAFC (Messi [2], Noah Allen own goal; Aaron Long for LAFC)
- Aggregate: Inter Miami 3-2 LAFC
The foe that fell to Messi
Los Angeles FC arrived in Fort Lauderdale with confidence, holding a first-leg advantage and a strong record against Inter Miami, having won three of their last four encounters. They advanced to the quarterfinals after ousting Columbus Crew 4-2 on aggregate, proving their mettle home and away. Steve Cherundolo’s squad aimed to repeat past CONCACAF runs, having reached the final in 2020 and 2023.
Despite the loss, LAFC showed flashes of quality. Aaron Long, who scored the opener, anchored their backline, while Hugo Lloris made key saves before succumbing to Messi’s brilliance. Nathan Ordaz, the 21-year-old striker who scored in the first leg, couldn’t replicate his impact in the return match, fading under Inter Miami’s pressure.
THE COMEBACK‼️ pic.twitter.com/j8Vorvf2ZP
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) April 10, 2025
Overcoming the odds
Trailing 2-0 on aggregate against a team with LAFC’s pedigree demanded a near-perfect performance from Inter Miami. Javier Mascherano opted for an attacking setup, with Sergio Busquets dictating play from midfield and Jordi Alba overlapping on the left to stretch the defense. The strategy paid off as the team clawed back into contention.
Fresh off an adductor injury that sidelined him earlier in the year, Messi looked fully fit, weaving through defenders and dictating the tempo. Luis Suárez, though goalless, harried LAFC’s backline, creating space for his teammates. The 18,000-strong crowd at Chase Stadium amplified the effort, their energy palpable after Messi’s first goal shifted the momentum.
What’s next in CONCACAF
With LAFC dispatched, Inter Miami awaits the winner of Vancouver Whitecaps versus Pumas of Liga MX in the semifinals. The first leg between those teams ended 1-1, with the return match set for next week. Regardless of the opponent, Inter Miami’s current form makes them a formidable contender as the competition heats up.
The CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals are slated for April 29-30 (first legs) and May 6-7 (second legs). The champion earns a berth in the FIFA Club World Cup, set for June 15 to July 13 in the U.S. Already qualified via the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, Inter Miami now chases CONCACAF glory to cap their rise.
Tactical breakdown of the comeback
Tactically, Inter Miami turned the game in the second half. Mascherano pushed Federico Redondo higher to disrupt LAFC’s build-up, while subbing in Fafa Picault for Telasco Segovia at halftime added pace on the flanks. These tweaks opened up the game, allowing more chances to flow.
LAFC, after taking the lead, dropped into a five-man defensive shell, aiming to protect their advantage. Yet, this couldn’t contain Messi, who exploited gaps with ruthless efficiency. Noah Allen’s own goal epiturized the pressure Inter Miami applied, forcing mistakes from a usually composed side.
A milestone for the club
Reaching the CONCACAF semifinals marks a turning point for Inter Miami, a club founded in 2018 still carving its legacy in North American soccer. Messi’s arrival has catalyzed a transformation, elevating them from upstarts to genuine contenders across competitions.
Pre-Messi, Inter Miami struggled, with inconsistent MLS seasons and early CONCACAF exits. In 2024, they fell to Monterrey in the quarterfinals despite his presence. Now, in 2025, they exhibit greater resilience, as evidenced by this comeback, blending youth and veteran savvy seamlessly.
The win over LAFC showcased the squad’s depth. Busquets’ pinpoint passing and Alba’s dynamism complemented Messi’s heroics, while Suárez’s work rate kept the attack fluid. This synergy has Inter Miami dreaming bigger than ever before.
Messi’s influence on U.S. soccer
Lionel Messi’s tenure at Inter Miami is reshaping soccer in the U.S. and CONCACAF region. Since his debut, ticket sales, jersey purchases, and global attention have soared. Nights like the LAFC clash draw fans worldwide, captivated by his Stateside chapter.
Chase Stadium’s 18,000 seats can’t keep up with demand, prompting plans for a 25,000-capacity venue by late 2025. Meanwhile, matchups against star-laden teams like LAFC, featuring Hugo Lloris and Olivier Giroud, signal the MLS and CONCACAF’s rising competitive edge.
Key moments in stats
Inter Miami’s triumph was a team effort, elevated by Messi’s magic. Here’s a snapshot of the game’s defining stats:
- Possession: Inter Miami 58% vs. LAFC 42%
- Shots: Inter Miami 14 (6 on target) vs. LAFC 9 (3 on target)
- Passes completed: Inter Miami 412 vs. LAFC 317
- Fouls: Inter Miami 11 vs. LAFC 15
These numbers underline Inter Miami’s dominance, particularly in the second half, where they seized control and sealed the comeback.
Upcoming challenges
Beyond CONCACAF, Inter Miami’s 2025 slate is packed. They face Atlanta United in the MLS this Sunday, a road test to preserve their Eastern Conference lead. Maintaining momentum away from home will be crucial.
In the CONCACAF semifinals, they’ll meet either Vancouver or Pumas, a matchup that could pit them against Liga MX’s storied pedigree. Preparations are underway, with Mascherano fine-tuning the squad for another high-stakes battle.
The FIFA Club World Cup looms in June, where Inter Miami joins FC Porto, Palmeiras, and Al Ahly in Group A. Kicking off June 19 in Atlanta, it’s a chance to test themselves globally—Messi, a four-time winner with Barcelona, knows the stakes well.
Semifinal schedule
Inter Miami fans eagerly await the CONCACAF timeline:
- First legs: April 29-30
- Second legs: May 6-7
- Final: June 3 (single match, venue TBD)
With three weeks until the semifinals, the team has time to regroup and peak for the next round.
A night to remember
Overcoming a 2-0 aggregate deficit against a powerhouse like LAFC cements this as a defining moment for Inter Miami. Messi, with his brace, orchestrated a comeback that defied doubters, proving his fire still burns bright. The Chase Stadium faithful witnessed history, a testament to his enduring genius.
The game highlighted the squad’s balance—Redondo’s tenacity, Busquets’ composure, and Messi’s brilliance meshed perfectly. This 3-1 win wasn’t just a ticket to the semifinals; it was a statement of intent from a club on the rise, leaving LAFC to rue a missed opportunity.
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