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WHAT HAPPENED?
Messi was the star of the show once again on Wednesday, with a first-half strike followed by a late penalty to put his side in full control of their Concacaf Champions Cup tie against LAFC. The Herons came from a goal down in the first leg to move into the next round, where they will face the Vancouver Whitecaps in the semifinals after the Canadian team has beaten Pumas UNAM from Mexico in the other match.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Messi has now racked up three goals in two games in the competition, moving five goals shy of the all-time record in the tournament. The 36-year-old also recorded an assist on Wednesday, playing a crucial role in Inter Miami’s 3-1 comeback victory (3-2 on aggregate) against LAFC. His performance included a stunning left-footed goal in the first half and a calmly taken penalty in the final minutes.
WHAT NEXT?
Messi’s side will face Vancouver in the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals but will first return to MLS action on Sunday against the Chicago Fire. The Miami team is currently 2nd in their MLS conference, in Messi’s second season in America.
