Messi scores stunning long-range goal as Miami reach first major final

Santi Romero 1 year ago 9.2k |

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Messi has scored nine goals in six games for Inter Miami. AppleTV/MLS

Messi has had an instant impact at Inter Miami. The Argentine, who has led the MLS club to the Leagues Cup final, scored an incredible long-range goal to extend Tata Martino's side's lead. It is also the first major final in Miami's history.

Eliminatorias. Semi-final

Messi is already making history at Inter Miami. The Argentine, who has been instrumental in Inter Miami's 11-match winless run, has led the MLS club to their first-ever major final after a 4-1 win over Philadelphia Union in the Leagues Cup semi-final.

It seems to have become a habit for the former PSG player to steal the show in every game for Tata Martino's side, as the Argentina international has scored nine goals in the six games he has played for the club presided over by David Beckham.

Josef Martinez scored the opening goal in the third minute, but it was the Argentine superstar who earned a standing ovation from the crowd after he extended Miami's lead with a stunning strike in the 20th minute.

The Venezuelan striker set up Messi before receiving a tackle, and the former PSG man, after driving the ball just a few yards, tried his luck from 35 yards. Andre Blake, who had not positioned himself well in goal, could do nothing to prevent Messi's long-range effort from low into the back of the net.

Another former Barcelona player Jordi Alba added a third before Bedoya pulled one back for Philadelhpia, although David Ruiz put the icing on the cake for Tata Martino's side in the 84th minute by firing home a fourth. Inter Miami will face Nashville FC, who beat Monterrey 2-0 in the other semi-final, on 20th August in the Leagues Cup final.