Inter Miami Advances to Leagues Cup Final After Lionel Messi Scores 9th Goal in 6 Matches

Lionel Messi's goal-scoring prowess remains relentless, and the fortunes of Inter Miami continue to ascend as well.

The soccer sensation netted a remarkable shot from 30 yards out, evading three Philadelphia defenders in the 20th minute, per FOX29.

This moment of brilliance elicited euphoria among fans who had paid a premium for soccer tickets in the Philadelphia area. Inter Miami sailed to a 4-1 victory against the Union in a Leagues Cup semifinal match on Tuesday night.

The legendary seven-time Ballon d'Or winner showcased his class yet again by tallying his ninth goal in six matches with his new team.

The momentous feat unfolded before an audience of approximately 20,000 fans, with ticket prices surpassing $1,000 on the secondary market.

Messi's introduction on the field ignited a burst of applause, and the stadium erupted once more when he slotted the ball past the diving Philadelphia goalkeeper, Andre Blake.

As he celebrated, Messi extended his arms in jubilation and punctuated the moment with a triumphant fist pump.

Jordi Alba and Josef Martinez contributed goals in the first half for Inter Miami, while David Ruiz secured a goal in the second half.

The victory secured Inter Miami's place in the Leagues Cup championship match, set to take place on Saturday, where they will face Nashville which defeated Mexico's club Monterey Tuesday, in the other semifinal.

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami

Tata Martino, the coach of Inter Miami, commended the team's journey to the final of international competition and expressed their motivation and confidence in pursuing excellence, according to Miami Herald.

Messi's remarkable impact since joining Miami is evident in his consecutive goal-scoring streak of six matches.

The team's record has been an unblemished 6-0 since his arrival. His nine goals during this span include his latest contribution: a left-footed strike that found the net in the 20th minute.

Messi's presence has undeniably revitalized Inter Miami's offense. Before the tournament, Miami had scored 22 goals in 22 MLS regular-season games.

With Messi on board, they have managed to score 21 goals in just six matches.

As the second half of the match saw Philadelphia dominating play, Miami's defensive lapses were noticeable.

However, Miami's victory remained emphatic due to strong goalkeeping from Drake Callender and missed opportunities from the Union.

The 6-0 winning streak stands as a testament to Miami's impressive performance, as they are on the brink of achieving the Leagues Cup championship, a major milestone.

With aspirations for the triple crown of trophies, including the Leagues Cup, the all-comers US Open Cup, and an MLS playoff berth, Inter Miami's potential has risen significantly since Messi's arrival.

The team's qualification for the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup tournament further cements their status as a rising force in the soccer world.

Fans Spend To Watch Lionel Messi Game

The allure of Messi's skill transcends borders, as evidenced by the rapid sell-out of the game led by Inter Miami's supporters' group, the "Sons of Ben," AP reports.

The stadium filled with Messi enthusiasts, as ticket prices surged on the secondary market. The demand was so intense that ticket prices escalated to over a thousand dollars, a stark contrast to the usual rates.

The magnetism of Messi, a player who led Argentina to a World Cup victory and has become a sports icon, was palpable both inside and outside the stadium.

Supporters from various corners of the world flocked to witness the superstar in action, with some fans even upgrading their tickets at substantial costs for the chance to witness Messi's magic firsthand.

Angel Pagan and her family, hailing from Vineland, New Jersey, proudly donned Messi shirts at the game, despite being dedicated Union season-ticket holders.

Their admiration for Messi is so profound that they named their youngest son Lionel after him.

Angel upgraded their tickets for the match to secure seats nearer to the field, despite the substantial cost involved. She emphasized, "We didn't care what it cost," she said. "It's Messi."

The phenomenon of "Messi Mania" persists, demonstrating the immense impact a player of his stature can have on the sport's global appeal.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Lionel Messi HIGHLIGHTS as Inter Miami advance past Philadelphia Union | Leagues Cup - From ESPN FC