Messi scores, Miami into Leagues Cup semi-finals
Scored: Martinez penalty 12, Taylor 32, Malanda owns 78, Messi 86
Messi raised the scoring streak in the US to five games, with eight goals to monopolize the top spot of the 2023 Leagues Cup top scorer race. However, the 36-year-old superstar does not seem to mind this award because when Miami enjoys it. penalty in the 12th minute, he let striker Josef Martinez shoot 11m. The important thing is that Inter Miami is in the semi-finals against either Philadelphia Union or Queretaro four days later.
In the last three matches, Messi scored in the eighth, seventh and sixth minutes, respectively. However, this time the fans had to wait until the 86th minute to see the Argentine player celebrate the goal. From a flip pass to the right, Messi took a skillful step to overcome the opponent who was rushing in quickly. The home captain poked a slot for striker Leonardo Campana to dive down to face the goalkeeper. Then Campana stretched for Messi to cushion the ball into an empty net to make it 4-0.
After scoring, Messi congratulated Spider-Man's "thread shooting", then waved his hand towards the stands. In response, the audience simultaneously stood up and chanted his name: "Messi, Messi". Outside the touchline, chairman David Beckham clapped and laughed with his wife Victoria. Celebrities in the stands such as artist Marc Anthony or coach Lionel Scaloni also joined the exciting atmosphere. According to Athletic, the atmosphere in the stands at DRV PNK is more impressive than at Camp Nou.
Messi has neither scored nor assisted in Miami's three previous goals, but he also contributed. At the first table, when midfielder Dixon Arroyo was fouled by Harrison Afful in the away area, Messi let Martinez take the penalty. This is the second time in the last three matches that the Venezuelan striker has taken a penalty instead of Messi. According to Athletic, the Miami captain wants his teammates to find the feeling of scoring again after a difficult time.
At the second table, Messi attracted two Charlotte defenders, let midfielder Robert Taylor run into the empty space, and then sank to raise the score to 2-0. On the third goal, Messi launched an attack with a dribble and then passed it to the left. Midfielder Diego Gomez received the ball and then stretched it, causing defender Adilson Malanda to kick his own goal.
Charlotte is ranked 12th in the Eastern MLS, four places ahead of Miami. However, that is the result since Miami does not have stars like Messi, Sergio Busquets or Jordi Alba. Miami proved to be superior to the opponent in this victory, although Messi was not playing in the right form. He missed many passes in this match, although he did not have many chances to finish.
