THE DREAM CONTINUES
INTER MIAMI
Six goals in nine games. A six-game goal streak. An undefeated record in the Messi era. And now, the first finals appearance and chance at a trophy in Inter Miami’s short history.
Lionel Messi and the Inter Miami squad deliver an energetic and emphatic statement to the hostile Philadelphia Union crowd in a decisive 4-1 win over the reigning MLS Cup runner-up. Control was the name of the game, with both teams boasting impressive handling that only made the turnovers more egregious, but it’s Miami’s fast break offense that proved too much for Philadelphia’s transition defense—or, in this case, lack thereof. Add onto that some impressive saves by Drake Callender and the Inter Miami defense, and it’s on to the Leagues Cup Finals for the Men In Pink.
With Philadelphia locked on limiting Sergio Busquets’s ability to create (as well as limiting Messi), it was the other Miami stars’ day to shine. A goal in the first twelve minutes of play (Miami’s fifth first-twelve-minutes goal in six games) gave Miami the early 1-0 lead. This one came from Josef Martínez, showing us the former MVP still has that strong boot. Cremaschi, Taylor, Yedlin, and Arroyo maintained control of the ball for Miami, keeping it in Miami’s possession for the better 2/3rds of the half. A Messi longshot punched a 2-0 lead, and a beautiful break by Jordi Alba delivered a late-first-half goal to the hearts of the Philadelphia supporters.
It wasn’t without its sacrifices though, as Miami’s Kryvtsov fell throughout the game after repeated battering to his left foot. It took the trainers’ help and some worrisome wincing to get him back up. One can only hope the few days between now and the final are enough rest, as he is a key part of Miami’s defense.
The powerful lead by Miami at the end of the first half was not enough to quell a frenetic offensive push by Philadelphia in the second half (and a goal by Alejandro Bedoya that finally ended the shutout), it was Miami’s David Ruiz who finished the scoring, giving Miami the 4-1 lead in the 84’ that would end up as the final nail in the coffin.
And you almost wish Messi would have sent that final shot into the net! In the regular season, Inter Miami trails the rest of MLS in standings and points. But now, with this win, Inter Miami secures a spot in the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup, teasing an exciting Messi-led continental tournament next year. This is not the same team as it was even one month ago today. And we can’t wait for what’s next. Messi and the Inter Miami squad will battle Nashville SC on August 19th in what may be their biggest game in MLS thus far. It certainly seems like they aren’t stopping anytime soon.