In just a month after joining Inter Miami, Argentine superstar Lionel Messi has already made a significant impact on the team. With a convincing 4-1 victory over Philadelphia Union on Tuesday, Miami advanced to the final of the CONCACAF Leagues Cup, putting them in a position to win their first-ever trophy in the club's four-season history.
Messi's goal against Philadelphia marked his ninth in just six games since his arrival at Inter Miami. With a scoring streak that spans all of his appearances, he currently stands at the top of the Leagues Cup scoring chart. The forward has quickly climbed his way up the Inter Miami all-time scoring list and now sits in third place, just 20 goals behind fellow countryman Gonzalo Higuain.
The match against Philadelphia saw Josef Martinez open the scoring for Miami, but it was Messi's spectacular long-range strike in the 20th minute that stole the show. His powerful shot from over 30 yards out evaded the outstretched arms of Union goalkeeper Andre Blake and found the back of the net off the right post.
Adding to Miami's first-half dominance, Spanish veteran Jordi Alba scored his first goal for Inter Miami in four appearances, finding the net just before halftime. However, Philadelphia's Alejandro Bedoya managed to pull one back for his team with 17 minutes remaining in the game.
Any hopes of a late Union comeback were extinguished when David Ruiz secured a 4-1 victory for Miami with a goal in the 84th minute.
In the other Leagues Cup semifinal on Tuesday, Nashville SC emerged victorious with a 2-0 win over Monterrey, setting up an exciting final against Inter Miami.
The final match for the Leagues Cup title will take place on August 19 in Nashville, Tennessee. This year's edition of the tournament has been expanded to include all teams from both MLS and Mexico's Liga MX, adding an extra level of competition and significance to the event.