Aug 15, 2023; Chester, PA, USA; Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) misses a shot against the Philadelphia Union the second half at Subaru Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 15, 2023; Chester, PA, USA; Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Philadelphia Union during the first half at Subaru Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 15, 2023; Chester, PA, USA; Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Philadelphia Union during the first half at Subaru Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 15, 2023; Chester, PA, USA; Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Philadelphia Union during the first half at Subaru Park. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
Messi was somehow left unguarded just past midfield where he caught a pass from Martinez and dribbled forward before firing a shot from distance in the 20th minute that rolled past Union goalkeeper Andre Blake, who was slow to react.
Jordi Alba further demoralized the Union with a goal just before halftime for a 3-0 lead as fans booed the home team as they headed into the locker room.
Philadelphia got one back through Alejandro Bedoya in the 73rd minute but David Ruiz found the net in the 84th minute for Miami, who have scored 21 goals in their last six matches.
Miami will face either CF Monterrey or Nashville SC, who play later on Tuesday, in Saturday’s Leagues Cup final, Miami’s first final appearance in club history.
The win also mean Miami will play in their first ever CONCACAF Champions League next year.
