Miami, FL.- I just witnessed madness in Miami!

Tonight (April 9) Inter-Miami hosted LAFC in the club’s second matchup of the Concacaf Champions Cup. Last week, LAFC took a 1-0 lead on the series, with all the marbles coming down to tonight.

Early on in the match one theme was set for the remainder of the night: thing were going to be chippy. Shots were taken, words were exchanged and maybe a punch or two was thrown, but nevertheless, it was an incredible night of fútbol.

Things did not look good early for the MLS’ top squad, as LAFC took a shocking 1-0 lead 9 minutes into the match thanks to Aaron Long. Facing a significant deficit, Inter Miami now needed at least three goals to overturn the tie. Over the next 20 minutes, LA played strategic defense, never letting Inter-Miami get a clean look.

That was, until the storied legacy of Lionel Messi wrote a new chapter. Messi fielded a pass from Luis Suarez and delivered a left footed strike from the golden boot that propelled into the net. Leo’s shot tied the match at 1-1, reducing the aggregate gap to 2-1.

This score would remain the same for the remainder of the first half, bringing us to a 1-1, 2-1 score at the break.

The momentum continued in the 61st minute when Noah Allen’s intended cross eluded both Federico Redondo and LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, finding the back of the net to give Inter Miami a 2-1 lead and level the aggregate score at 2-2.

Inter Miami’s relentless pressure culminated in the 84th minute when they were awarded a penalty for a handball. Messi confidently converted the spot-kick, securing a 3-1 lead and completing the three-goal rally necessary to advance on aggregate. ​

Goalkeeper Oscar Ustari made crucial saves in the final minutes to preserve the lead, ensuring Inter Miami’s progression to the semifinals. They will face the winner of the Pumas and Vancouver Whitecaps quarterfinal, with the first leg scheduled between April 22-24.

Cover Photo Credits: Christian Proscia, NewEraPrep