Miami, US, Aug 11 (EFE).- Argentinian star Lionel Messi scored yet again as Inter Miami thrashed Charlotte 4-0 to reach the semifinals of the Leagues Cup on Friday.
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (R) in action against Charlotte Defender Harrison Afful (L) during the Leagues Cup quarter final soccer match between Inter Miami CF and Charlotte FC in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US, 11 August 2023. EFE-EPA/CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH
Josef Martínez scored on a penalty kick in the 12th minute to give his team a 1-0 lead.
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (L) in action against Charlotte Midfielder Brandt Bronico (R) during the Leagues Cup quarter final soccer match between Inter Miami CF and Charlotte FC in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US, 11 August 2023. EFE-EPA/CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH
Some 20 minutes later, Robert Taylor found the net to widen the lead.
Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring the 4-0 goal during the Leagues Cup quarter final soccer match between Inter Miami CF and Charlotte FC in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US, 11 August 2023. EFE-EPA/CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH
Charlotte’s Adilson Malanda scored an own goal in the second half before Messi sealed his team’s win with a goal in the 86th minute.
Inter Miami midfielder Robert Taylor (L) in action against Charlotte Defender Adilson Malanda (R) during the Leagues Cup quarter final soccer match between Inter Miami CF and Charlotte FC in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US, 11 August 2023. EFE-EPA/CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH
The Argentinian has already scored eight goals in five matches for Inter Miami, which has won all of them.
Messi’s arrival has dramatically changed the fortunes of Inter Miami, which is placed last in the Eastern Conference of Major League Soccer.
The Florida team will now face Philadelphia Union, who beat Queretaro 2-1 in the other quarterfinal match, on Tuesday. EFE
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