Even in his brief stint with Inter Miami, Lionel Messi has managed to engrave his name into the club’s history books. The recent victory against Charlotte FC in the quarter-finals of the Leagues Cup further solidified Messi’s influence on the team.
The 4-0 victory showcased a transformed Inter Miami, as they advanced to the semifinals with a convincing display. This triumph has fueled their manager, Gerardo Martino, desire to clinch the Leagues Cup title.
Gerardo Martino’s ambition and the impact of Messi
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The manager of Inter Miami now fervently pursues the Leagues Cup title as he praises the team. Martino emphasized the journey from the initial stages of the tournament to the semifinals. In an interview, He stated, “The truth is that 47 teams started to play in this tournament, and Miami, last in its zone, is in the semifinals. That speaks of a moment to at least have expectations of being able to do something important. Hopefully, we can win it.“
The arrival of Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba has undoubtedly catalyzed Inter Miami’s transformation. Martino acknowledges the Argentine’s immense impact both on and off the field.
“There is a lot of confidence from the teammates who play alongside him. What he is doing off the field, the leadership he exercises in the group, in training, on the field, and I’m not talking about soccer. There is a lot of that change in the team because of Leo’s presence”, he added.
In the five matches he has played, Messi has contributed to three goals and scored eight himself. His impact was evident in the 4-0 victory against Charlotte, where he not only assisted in goals but also scored one himself. This goal marked his eighth since joining the club and set a new record for the all-time top scorer in the Leagues Cup.
The semifinal challenge against Philadelphia Union
Inter Miami’s journey now leads to a crucial semifinal encounter against Philadelphia Union, a fellow Major League Soccer rival. Scheduled for August 15, the winner of this match will advance to face either Monterrey or Nashville SC in the final.
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As anticipation builds, the soccer world is captivated by the prospect of witnessing Lionel Messi’s performance in this pivotal match. The excitement among fans has led to a swift sell-out of tickets for the encounter at Subaru Park. Within minutes of going on sale, the tickets were snapped up, underlining the immense draw that Messi’s presence commands.
Tuesday’s match at Subaru Park is officially sold out of seats. A limited number of standing room only tickets remain.
To purchase a seat, visit SeatGeek, the official ticket marketplace for Philadelphia Union.
🎟️ https://t.co/XThiDsRohN#DOOP pic.twitter.com/CLrItiJq2e
— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) August 12, 2023
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As Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami prepares for the semifinal clash against Philadelphia Union. The question that looms is whether Inter Miami, with Messi’s leadership. Will they defy expectations and emerge victorious in the Leagues Cup? What do you think?
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