With the score at 0-1, Messi seized control of the ball at the center of the field, delivered by Venezuelan player Josef Martínez. As the opposing goalkeeper, Andre Blake, was in an irregular position in his goal, the Rosario maestro wasted no time. Swiftly, he unleashed a powerful low shot with his left foot that caught Blake off guard and, as confirmed by the official Leagues Cup broadcast on Apple TV+, marked Messi's longest-ever goal in his illustrious career.
Significantly, this accomplishment marks Messi's ninth goal in just six matches with Inter Miami, all of which concluded in victory for the Florida-based team.
Prepared to face either Nashville or Monterrey in the final, Inter Miami reaps more than just a shot at championship glory. The Leagues Cup victory also grants them entry to the prestigious Concacaf Champions League.
Demonstrating formidable dominance in front of the opposing goal with 16 shots compared to the visiting team's five, and bolstered by a standout performance from goalkeeper Drake Callender, Inter Miami swiftly secured the match with a 0-3 advantage by halftime. A surprised Philadelphia Union struggled to find their rhythm.
Goals from the talented Venezuelan Josef Martínez, Spanish defender Jordi Alba, and Honduran-American David Ruíz solidified Miami's lead, while Colombian-American Alejandro Bedoya responded with a goal for the Philadelphia side.
This remarkable achievement by Messi underscores his unwavering brilliance and enduring impact on the world of football.
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