Inter Miami moved on to the League Cup final with a commanding 4-1 victory away to the Philadelphia Union, sealing their spot behind a performance that blended clinical finishing with relentless pressure. The win sets up a championship rematch against the winner of the Monterrey versus Nashville tie, aiming to crown the tournament champions in a showpiece finale.
The scoring sprung to life early. In the third minute, Josef Martinez timed his run perfectly to meet a precise through ball from Serhiy Kryvtsov, the Ukrainian defender threading a pass that sliced through to leave the forward one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Martinez converted with composure and gave Inter Miami the perfect start on the road. The lead was extended in the 17th minute as Lionel Messi added another milestone to his MLS season. The Argentine superstar tucked away a finish that marked his sixth successive game on the scoresheet for the club, underscoring a level of consistency that has turned heads across the league. Before halftime, Jordi Alba opened his Inter Miami account, beating the goalkeeper with a composed strike that stretched the advantage and signaled a dominant first half for the visitors.
With much of the second half still to play, Alejandro Bedoya pulled a goal back for the Union around the 75-minute mark, keeping the fixture lively and inviting a late twist to the tale. Yet the momentum swung again in Inter Miami’s favor as David Ruiz found the net in the 84th minute, restoring a three-goal cushion and capping a thoroughly convincing performance in the semifinal. The result reflected the club’s growing depth and ability to close out games with assuredness, even when facing a resilient opponent on familiar turf.
Messi’s decision to join Inter Miami in the summer of 2023 marked a high-profile chapter in his career after two seasons with Paris Saint-Germain. His move followed extensive speculation during a period that had links to a potential stay in Europe or a new chapter in another market. Messi’s MLS debut brought immediate impact, with a memorable free kick that set a definitive tone for what has been an enduring influence on the league and its audiences across North America. The 2023-24 season further cemented his status, drawing fans from across Canada and the United States to MLS venues and national broadcasts alike.
This season has spotlighted Inter Miami’s progress in a fresh competition format, the League Cup, where the team showed early signs of resilience and tactical evolution. The club demonstrated an ability to influence matches beyond the regulation 90 minutes, with late dramatics and a growing sense of cohesion under pressure. The semifinals offered a wider lens on the squad, the depth of its roster, and the continued maturation of MLS as a destination for elite players from around the globe. Across the sports landscape, Messi’s presence has sparked conversation about league competitiveness, market appeal, and the potential for Inter Miami to challenge for domestic silverware while expanding the league’s footprint in North America.
Observers have noted the broader impact of Messi’s MLS journey, including reflections from teammates, rivals, and analysts who have watched his influence extend beyond goals and assists. The discussion has touched on how a player of his stature can elevate a team’s strategic approach, attract new fans, and push the club toward results that resonate across Canadian and American markets alike. In this context, Inter Miami’s continued progression in the League Cup is seen as a barometer for the league’s growing stature and its capability to host high-stakes matches that capture national attention and spark ongoing conversations about the sport’s development in the region.