Messi brace, assist fuels Inter Miami CF comeback against LAFC | OneFootball

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Inter Miami CF won 3-1 against Los Angeles FC, winning 3-2 on aggregate, in the second leg of their quarterfinals series as the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup continued Wednesday at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA.

The visitors found the opener in the 9’, with Aaron Long scoring off a right-footed finish from the center of the box following a corner kick.

Lionel Messi equalized for Inter Miami in the 35’ with a left-footed attempt from the edge of the box to the top right corner of the goal.

Noah Allen struck in the 61’ to give the hosts the lead and tie the aggregate at two goals apiece.

Messi secured his brace in the 84’, converting from the penalty spot, to seal the comeback for Inter Miami CF in the series.

Óscar Ustari had a notable appearance for Inter Miami CF with several key plays in the closing moments, overall contributing seven saves.

Inter Miami CF advances to the semifinals for the first time in its history. The Herons will face either Pumas UNAM or Vancouver Whitecaps FC in semifinals.

Post-Match Data

Inter Miami has recorded 3—1 victory in all three of its home Concacaf Champions Cup matches against MLS opposition, advancing in the tie on all three occasions.

● Aaron Long has scored two goals for Los Angeles FC in this season’s Concacaf Champions Cup, including one tonight. Long is the first defender to score two goals for an MLS team in the Concacaf Champions Cup since Alexander Callens for New York City FC in 2019.

● Lionel Messi has been directly involved in at least one goal in 18 of 19 home appearances with Inter Miami in all competitions since the start of the 2024 season, including the last 12 in a row. Messi has been involved in 34 goals in those 19 games (21 goals, 13 assists).

● Lionel Messi (2 goals, 1 assist) has been involved in multiple goals in a match in the knockout rounds of a continental championship (UEFA Champions League & Concacaf Champions Cup) for the 18th time in his career. Messi’s team won all 18 of those matches.

● Lionel Messi was involved in 14 shots (6 shots, 8 chances created) for Inter Miami, the most by a player in any match in the quarter-finals or later of the Concacaf Champions Cup since at least 2016-17. The eight chances created equaled the most by any player in a match in the quarter-finals or later of the competition since 2016-17.