- Messi scored to put Miami 2-0 up
- Argentine's ninth goal of the tournament
- Miami has booked Leagues Cup final spot
WHAT HAPPENED? Lionel Messi scored his ninth goal of the 2023 Leagues Cup to put Inter Miami 2-0 ahead early in the game against Philadelphia Union on Tuesday evening. The goal came from over 30 yards out, as the Argentine picked out the corner to embarrass three-time MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Andre Blake.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: With the goal, Messi further extended his lead in the race for the Golden Boot as he bagged his ninth of the competition to lead Inter Miami to a 4-1 win and into the final.
WHAT NEXT?: Messi and Inter Miami can look ahead to Saturday's Leagues Cup final against fellow MLS side Nashville, who defeated Monterrey 2-0 in their semi-final. The game will be held at Nashville's Geodis Park, with a sell-out crowd of 30,000 expected.