Inter Miami’s star Lionel Messi weighed in on social media after the League Cup semi-final victory over Philadelphia, reflecting on a path that has led the team to a championship bout. His message emphasized the work that went into reaching the final and the focus required to finish the mission, signaling that the ultimate prize remains within reach for the club.
“We worked our way to the final and now we’ve done it!!! We’re still on the last step,” Messi stated, underscoring the sense of urgency and continuity surrounding Inter Miami’s cup run. The win reinforced the club’s momentum as they prepare for the decider, where the top prize will be contested against the winner of the Monterrey-Nashville clash. This moment solidified Messi’s role as a catalyst for a squad eager to translate strong performances into silverware.
The opener arrived early, with Josef Martinez breaking the deadlock in the third minute after a precise pass from Ukrainian defender Serhiy Kryvtsov, setting a tone of dominance for the night. In the 17th minute, Messi extended the lead, adding another signature contribution that captured the attention of fans and pundits alike. The Argentine forward marked a personal milestone by recording goals in six consecutive matches, a testament to his sustained impact on Inter Miami’s wing of the pitch. Jordi Alba then joined the scoring sheet in stoppage time of the first half, netting his first goal for Inter and widening the margin in what had become a thoroughly convincing performance for the home side.
With 15 minutes remaining, Alejandro Bedoya added a late sparkle by scoring, while in the 84th minute David Ruiz capped the night with another goal, restoring a three-goal cushion and sealing the semifinal result in favor of Inter Miami. The sequence of tallies reflected not only a clinical display but also the depth of the squad, with multiple players contributing to a decisive win that left little room for doubt about Inter Miami’s credentials in the competition.
Messi’s move to Inter Miami occurred in the summer of 2023, following a two-year spell with Paris Saint-Germain and a strategic decision to pursue MLS challenges. He opened his Inter career with a memorable free-kick goal, instantly signaling his intent to make a lasting impact in the United States. Before arriving in the American league, the forward had attracted attention from the Saudi league, where clubs reportedly pursued his services with lucrative offers, highlighting the high-stakes nature of elite football transfers and the broad geographic appeal Messi brings to the sport.
In related chatter, former Russian internationals and club figures have kept social circles buzzing, with one notable post featuring Denis Glushakov jokingly referencing a photo of him shaking hands with Messi. The moment captured illustrates how Messi’s global footprint continues to generate interest across diverse football communities, bridging fans, players, and pundits through shared moments and lighthearted banter. This cross-border attention underscores Messi’s enduring status as a magnet for conversations, even beyond on-field exploits.