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Aug. 16 (UPI) — Lionel Messi has scored nine goals in six games, helping Inter Miami defeat the Philadelphia Union and secure a spot in the 2023 Leagues Cup final in Philadelphia.
In the 20th minute of the match, Messi found the back of the net, contributing to the Herons’ 4-1 victory. Josef Martinez, Jordi Alba, and David Ruiz also scored goals for the team.
“They are only going to improve,” said Union manager Jim Curtin during a press conference. “That Miami team is poised for greatness. Their ownership is investing heavily, making them the best team in the league. There’s no stopping them.”
The Herons, currently the last-place team in MLS, will face Nashville SC in the Leagues Cup final in Nashville on Saturday. Since Messi joined the team for the start of the Leagues Cup, they have remained undefeated (6-0), although these matches do not impact MLS standings.
Martinez opened the scoring in the 3rd minute of the game. Serhiy Kryvtsov delivered a long pass from midfield, allowing Martinez to shoot the ball just inside the far post with his first touch.
The Herons extended their lead less than 16 minutes later. Martinez received the ball just beyond midfield and passed it to Messi on his left. Messi controlled the ball, dribbled for about 15 yards, and then fired a ground shot from about 30 yards out. The powerful shot beat goalkeeper Andre Blake on the right side.
Robert Taylor assisted Jordi Alba’s goal in first-half stoppage time. Taylor maneuvered through a crowd of defenders and delivered a long through ball to Alba. The experienced defender stormed down the field and placed a shot into the far-post netting.
Alejandro Bedoya scored the Union’s lone goal in the 73rd minute after a deflected corner kick. Bedoya seized the opportunity and struck the ball with the outside of his right boot, finding the back of the net.
In the 84th minute, David Ruiz scored the final goal of the game for the Herons. Deandre Yedlin dribbled up the right flank and passed the ball to Ruiz inside the box. Ruiz swiftly struck the ball into the far-post netting, just before Blake could make a save.
With this victory, Inter Miami not only secured a place in the Leagues Cup final but also earned a spot in the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup. They will face Nashville SC at Geodis Park on Saturday at 9 p.m. EDT, with the game set to air on Apple TV.
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