Messi Brace Sparks Miami’s Comeback vs LAFC

Lionel Messi proved once again why he is the GOAT.

On Wednesday, the Argentinian scored a brace against Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals.

After losing the first leg 1-0, LAFC took an early lead via Aaron Long after a scramble in the penalty box to have LAFC go 2-0 up on aggregate.

Facing a mountain to climb with three goals needed to advance, it was none other than Messi who stepped up to spark the comeback. In the 30th minute, he thought he scored after he took a quick free kick after being fouled, taking everyone off guard, including LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. However, the goal was deemed illegal.

But in the 35th minute, the maestro struck. He played an exquisite one-two with Luis Suarez before firing a shot into the far post, reducing their deficit in half.

The drama was far from over in the second half. In the 61st minute, Inter Miami’s Federico Redondo equalized the tie after a mix-up between Lloris and his defenders left the goalkeeper in no man’s land.

Messi sealed the deal in the 84th minute, calmly converting a penalty kick after a VAR review deemed that LAFC’s Marlon had committed a handball in the box. It confirmed his brace and completed Miami’s comeback 3-2.

In the 89th minute, Messi was decked by Marlon, causing an all-out melee, in which at least two or three red card offenses were committed — but the referee and VAR decided to be lenient.

Miami head coach Javier Mascherano took the time to praise his team’s determination, saying “We wanted more and we ended up achieving it. For a comeback like this, luck often has to be on your side, and it was.”

Messi secured his man of the match performance with 84 touches, eight key passes, and two goals. Despite being aged 37, he continues to show why he is considered the greatest to play the game.

The win sets up a semifinal tie with the Vancouver Whitecaps, keeping their dream of a CONCACAF title alive.