Inter Miami secured a spot in CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-finals on Wednesday night and David Beckham enjoyed watching a “proper game of football” as well as more magic from Lionel Messi.
The Herons headed into the second leg of their quarter-final clash with LAFC trailing 1-0 on aggregate. That deficit was doubled inside 10 minutes, but Javier Mascherano’s side staged a stirring fightback on home soil to prevail 3-1 on the day and keep themselves in the hunt for a prestigious CONCACAF crown.
Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi was the man of the match. The Argentine crashed a shot into the top corner as Inter Miami grabbed a first-half lifeline, before displaying nerves of steel to convert a late penalty and settle an absorbing contest.
Lionel Messi. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
Inter Miami co-owner Beckham was among those watching on from the stands, with the Manchester United and England legend posting on social media after seeing Messi steal the show: “Now that was a proper game of football. 2 good teams competing in front of a sold out stadium of fans that came to be entertained.
“And wow were they entertained – what a win and a special night for us all in Miami. Thank you to La Familia & the special performance from our whole team tonight. On to the next.”
Inter Miami, currently unbeaten through six MLS fixtures this season, will face domestic rivals the Vancouver Whitecaps in the Champions Cup semi-finals – with Messi up to five goals in the competition.
