Lionel Messi, the Argentine great, has taken Inter Miami to new heights in just one month.
Miami advanced to the CONCACAF Leagues Cup final with a 4-1 victory against Philadelphia Union on Tuesday, putting the team in position to win its first trophy in four seasons of participation.
Messi’s goal against Philadelphia was his ninth in only six games since joining Inter, and he has scored in all six of his League Cup appearances.
After only a few weeks at Inter Miami, Messi is now third on the club’s all-time scoring chart, trailing only compatriot Gonzalo Higuain by 20 goals.
Messi scored in the 20th minute with a low rocket from more than 30 yards out after Josef Martinez opened the scoring for Miami. His shot sailed past Union custodian Andre Blake’s outstretched fingertips and into the net off the right post.
Jordi Alba of Spain scored a third Miami goal in first-half stoppage time, his first goal in four appearances since joining Inter, but Alejandro Bedoya of Philadelphia equalized with 17 minutes remaining.
With his fourth goal for Miami after 84 minutes, David Ruiz put an end to any hopes of a late Union comeback.
Nashville SC defeated Monterrey 2-0 in the other Leagues Cup semifinal on Tuesday, advancing to the final against Miami.
When the two teams meet on August 19 in Nashville, Tennessee, the trophy will be decided.
The Leagues Cup, an annual competition between MLS and Liga MX in Mexico, was enlarged this year to include all teams from each league.
