Picture Credit: Twitter
Inter Miami continued their domination of the Leagues Cup after they destroyed Philadelphia 4-1 in the semifinals. Particularly notable was talisman Lionel Messi’s beautiful long-range effort. Miami have made it to the final of the inaugural Leagues Cup and will be hoping to bring back some silverware before heading into the second half of the MLS season and making a final push towards the playoff spots. Inter Miami will face Nashville, who beat Mexican outfit Monterrey, in the final of the Leagues Cup.
Just 19 minutes into the game, Miami were already leading. The team dominated the possession of the ball as Philadelphia’s lines struggled to hold on against Miami’s technical ability and ball carrying. The wonder goal in the game came around the 19-minute mark as Messi picked up the ball near the middle of the park and carried it forward. Once he realized he was against five defenders, with one of them rapidly approaching to press for the ball, he struck the shot hard and low on the ground. The crowd went wild once the shot arrowed into the bottom right-hand corner.
The goal scored from 36 yards out, was the Argentine’s second longest range ever goal, behind a free kick for Argentina that was almost 40 yards out. He also famously scored a 36-yard free kick against Liverpool in 2019.
Inter Miami conquers dominant Philadelph ia Union
The relative ease with which The Herons beat Union should be cause for excitement for their fans. Philadelphia was one of Inter Miami’s biggest tests so far, as they are among the best teams in the Eastern Conference League. They sit third in a table that has Inter Miami at dead last, and have lost only one game at home in their last 38 fixtures.
Messi scored in the 19th minute, and goal contributions from Josef Martinez, Jordi Alba and David Ruiz saw the Miami side dominate their rivals. This bodes well for the club’s chances in the MLS. Once the season resumes, Miami has a difficult task ahead: make it to the playoff spots. Their points tally is miserably low at the moment, and with limited games remaining, every point is vital. However, with their arrivals it seems they are a side with renewed hope and confidence. If Messi and the other new signings continue to gel well together in the domestic league then The Herons might not be written off yet.
