The Argentine led Inter Miami to a thrilling 3-2 aggregate victory over LAFC in the Champions Cup quarterfinals
Messi scores crucial penalty to seal Inter Miami's comebackArgentine star rushes to celebrate with his family Inter Miami advances to Champions Cup semifinalsGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED
Lionel Messi converted a penalty in the 83rd minute, securing Inter Miami's place in the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals. After scoring, Messi ran to the sideline to celebrate with his teammates before heading to his family's pitchside suite to embrace his sons Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro, while his wife Antonela Roccuzzo beamed in the background.
The Argentine played a key role as Miami won the second-leg 3-1, Wednesday night, claiming the tie 3-2 on aggregate.
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Inter Miami secured a dramatic 3-1 victory over LAFC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final second leg, overturning a 1-0 deficit from the first leg.
LAFC's Aaron Long opened the scoring in the 9th minute only for Lionel Messi to equalize for Miami in the 35th minute. Federico Redondo then put Miami ahead in the 61st minute, and Messi sealed the win with a penalty in the 84th minute.
Getty Images SportWHAT’S NEXT?
Thanks to Messi’s heroics, Miami will face the Vancouver Whitecaps in the semifinal of the Champions Cup, with the first leg held on April 24 and the second leg on April 30.
Prior to that, the Herons have back-to-back away games as they face Chicago Fire on April 13 in the MLS and then go back on the road to face Columbus Crew on April 19.