Lionel Messi shines with his ninth goal in six matches, propelling Inter Miami to a triumphant 4-1 victory over Philadelphia Union and securing their spot in the highly anticipated Leagues Cup final this Tuesday.

Facing off against Philadelphia Union, a team that stood tall in last year’s MLS Cup final and boasted an impressive home record, Inter Miami braced for their most significant challenge since the acquisition of the Argentinean superstar just a month prior.

However, Inter Miami, the visiting side, wasted no time in asserting their dominance, with Josef Martinez breaking through the defense and finding the net merely three minutes into the game, courtesy of a precise pass from Serhiy Kryvtsov.

Notably, it was Lionel Messi who once again showcased his unmatched prowess on the field. Exploiting a moment of lax defense, Messi received a well-timed pass from Martinez just beyond midfield. With exquisite finesse, he dribbled forward and unleashed a potent long-range shot in the 20th minute, catching Union goalkeeper Andre Blake off-guard and securing a remarkable goal.

The morale of the Union squad further plummeted as Jordi Alba capitalized on the situation, hammering home another goal just before halftime, thereby securing a commanding 3-0 lead. The home crowd voiced their disapproval with boos as the Union team retreated to the locker room.

Despite the challenges, Philadelphia Union managed to notch a consolation goal, courtesy of Alejandro Bedoya’s effort in the 73rd minute. However, Inter Miami’s David Ruiz dashed any hopes of a substantial comeback, finding the back of the net in the 84th minute. The victory solidified Inter Miami’s exceptional scoring spree, amassing an impressive 21 goals in their last six encounters.

Looking ahead, Inter Miami is set to face the winner between CF Monterrey and Nashville SC in the Leagues Cup final scheduled for Saturday—a historic occasion marking Inter Miami’s inaugural appearance in a final since its inception.

In addition to the glory of the Leagues Cup final, the win also holds significant implications for Inter Miami’s future endeavors. The triumph guarantees Inter Miami a coveted spot in the forthcoming CONCACAF Champions League—an accomplishment that adds to the excitement surrounding the club’s journey.

In summary, Lionel Messi’s incredible performance, coupled with Inter Miami’s remarkable teamwork, secured an emphatic 4-1 victory over Philadelphia Union, propelling them to the Leagues Cup final and promising a thrilling future in the world of soccer.