The match between Lionel Messi and Inter Miami was considered the toughest challenge so far. And they displayed a splendid performance in it. Joseph Martinez scored a goal within three minutes of the match. Messi scored a brilliant goal with his left foot in the 20th minute. Jordi Alba scored just before halftime. And 19-year-old David Ruiz scored in the 84th minute, leading Inter Miami to a 4-1 victory over Philadelphia Union in the League Cup semifinal match on Tuesday night.
Inter Miami vs. Nashville SC in League Cup Final Showdown this Saturday:
Inter Miami will now advance to the League Cup final against Nashville SC on Saturday. They also qualify for the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup, a tournament they haven’t played in since forming the team in 2020.
“We have to be happy and enjoy this moment,” Martinez said during a postgame interview on Apple TV about reaching the League Cup final with Inter Miami.
How challenging was it for Miami? Before Tuesday’s game, they had only lost one match out of their last 41 games at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania.
Lionel Messi, the World Cup winner from Argentina and seven-time Ballon d’Or awardee, and his new MLS team, have made quite an impact since their arrival.
Jim Curtin, the coach of Philadelphia Union, mentioned that Martinez’s early goal was a “moment that could stop you and hurt you.” It was the fifth time Inter Miami had scored within 15 minutes and the fourth time they scored within eight minutes during League Cup games. They also set an uncomfortable atmosphere for Union.
Curtin said, “It was a humble game. They’re really good.”
With another win, Inter Miami will claim the League’s Cup trophy. “This is a big opportunity for us, for the team, for the club,” Martinez insisted, referring to the inaugural final. We have to fight for it. We’re happy.”
When will Lionel Messi play next?
Messi is likely to take the field again on Saturday when Inter Miami faces Nashville SC in the League Cup final.
Inter Miami vs. Philadelphia Union Score, Highlights:
Inter Miami defeated Philadelphia Union 4-1 on Tuesday night. Miami’s goals were scored by Joseph Martinez (3′), Lionel Messi (20′), Jordi Alba (45′ + 3′), and David Ruiz (84′). Alejandro Bedoya (73′) scored for Philadelphia.
Since joining Inter Miami, Messi has had a significant impact. He has scored nine goals in six League Cup games, while Inter Miami has scored a total of 21 goals during the tournament – significantly fewer than the 22 goals Messi had scored in his 22 MLS games before his arrival.
Inter Miami has won all six games Messi has played in. They have a record of 5-3-14 (W-D-L) without Messi, a substantial difference that saw them at the bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference prior to his arrival.
Inter Miami coach Tata Martino – who trained Messi with FC Barcelona and the Argentine national team – has taken a different, more humble perspective on structuring his team in recent months. We are inspired, driven, and confident, he declared. However, our primary goal is to improve the team in every manner.
“After all, we have not achieved anything yet. No team can build a solid team in 30 days. If we don’t get the result, we complain. But we haven’t done everything yet. Any team cannot prepare a strong team in just 30 days.”
Nashville Crowd Cheers:
‘We Want Messi’ Nashville SC secured their ticket to the League Cup final with a 2-0 win against Monterrey from Liga MX on Tuesday night.
Even the crowd at Nissan Stadium, who will host the League Cup final on Saturday, had a message for Inter Miami. The crowd chanted, “We want Messi.”
Messi’s Tattoo on His Back
After the game, Messi displayed a tattoo on his back during a jersey exchange with his fellow countryman Julian Carranza. The tattoo, allegedly representing his mother, was fully visible.
Fans Flock to Watch Messi in Inter Miami vs. Philadelphia Union Game
Chestnut Hill, PA – It’s unlikely that there are television news helicopters circling Subaru Park three hours before a typical Philadelphia Union game. Tailgate lots and pregame festivals are usually not this crowded, at least not for Tuesday night’s game.
David Ruiz’s Target: Inter Miami 4, Philadelphia Union 1
This could end up in Philadelphia.
After a ball from D’Andre Yedlin, David Ruiz scored for Inter Miami in the 83rd minute, giving them complete control of the game..Ruiz scored approximately 10 minutes after entering the game as a substitute. And he is likely to play his part in the final minutes of the game for Inter Miami.
