“We’ll Be Brave” – After Lionel Messi Catapulted MLS’ Popularity, $575,000,000 Rivals Star Not ‘Scared’ Of Inter Miami Challenge

The Philadelphia Union are all in for their most exciting as well as the biggest challenge yet in the 2023 International Leagues Cup. After clinching a climactic victory against Queretaro by 2-1 in the Leagues Cup quarter-final, the Union will face Inter Miami CF in the semifinals of the tournament, who have shown some outstanding performances since the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba joined the club.

Leading for 55 minutes in the game after Jesús Bueno’s goal in the 10th minute, Philadelphia’s lead was cut short by Ángel Sepúlveda’s equalizer in the second half. With time running out, the Union found themselves in a precarious position, facing the possibility of a penalty shootout. Substitute Chris Donovan seized the moment for the Union dramatically by scoring a second-half stoppage-time goal and clinching the Leagues Cup semifinal spot.

Lionel Messi is coming to Chester, Pennsylvania

The seven-time Ballon D’Or winner’s monumental arrival in the MLS has certainly helped to catapult the league’s popularity and numbers. The Argentine has transformed the MLS landscape with his touch of class & magnetic presence. Since joining the Miami side, Messi has scored in all of his five League Cup games, with a total tally of eight goals in the competition until now.

READ MORE: Despite Goal Against $625,000,000 Rivals, Lionel Messi Ditched for $975,000-Rated Inter Miami Teammate

Messi has contributed to the scoresheet in all of Miami’s knockout games in the Leagues Cup, which definitely makes him an imposing challenge for the Unions in the upcoming semifinal showdown. According to Philadelphia Union FC coach Jim Curtin, ‘the greatest player in the history of the sport’ is coming to town and they’ll need to show more quality on the pitch if they hope to get a result in their favor.

“Anything can happen at Subaru Park,” says Philadelphia Unions head coach, Jim Curtin

The Unions head coach Jim Curtin said during his post-match conference, that he is not worried about the semifinal clash against Inter Miami CF, and his team must be brave and show courage on the field against the Miami side.

“We’re going to try to limit their chances as best we can, but we have to be ruthless on the counterattack against a Miami team that, I’ll just tell you right now, is going to have more of the ball than we will,” said Curtin.

“I can guarantee you that. I don’t care whether we’re home or away. That’s just going to be how it is, and we’re okay with that,” he added.

When asked about the impact of Lionel Messi and his mammoth presence in the MLS, Curtin stated that it is “perfect for the league” and a big honor to play against Miami.

“It’s perfect for the league, and the way that Messi has lived up [to the hype] and actually almost done even more is what superstars do, right? [Michael] Jordan, Messi, whoever it is, these are guys that have pressure on them every second of every day and they still produce every time. So it’s going to be an honor to play [Miami],” said Curtin.

“But once the whistle blows, our guys are going to give it their best. And I know we won’t be scared. We’ll be brave. And in this building, I’ll just say, anything can happen at Subaru Park. We’ve been pretty damn good over the last 50 games,” he added.

As Philadelphia Union FC readies itself for a seismic clash against Inter Miami CF, Jim Curtin’s ‘brave’ approach towards Messi and Co. is yet to be tested. The Union will need to be at their best to beat Inter Miami CF. However, looking at their past few seasons, they have the talent and determination to do it.

Philadelphia Union FC and Inter Miami CF will face off on Tuesday, August 15 at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania to claim the berth in the final of the International Leagues Cup.

Will Messi continue to shine on the pitch again for Inter Miami CF? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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