Lionel Messi scores, Inter Miami wins 4-1, reaches Leagues Cup final.

CHESTER, Pa.—Lionel Messi Lights Up the Field and Inter Miami Triumphs

Messi showcased his brilliance once again, ⁤delivering a stunning goal ⁤from 30 yards out that left three Philadelphia defenders in awe. The ecstatic fans, who had paid a record price for soccer tickets in the Philly area, erupted in⁢ celebration ⁣as Inter Miami secured a 4–1 victory over the Union in a Leagues Cup semifinal ⁤on ‌Tuesday night.

Messi Dominates Major League Soccer

It’s official—Major‍ League Soccer belongs to⁣ Messi now. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner continues ​to dazzle with his⁣ new team, scoring his ninth goal in just six matches.

After the game, Messi exchanged jerseys with fellow ‌Argentinian and Union forward Julián Carranza. Instead of a traditional postgame​ interview, Messi took to Instagram to share his message with his 483 million followers: “We worked our way to the finals and we made ⁢it!!! We’re still on the ⁣last step.”

The ​atmosphere was electric as a crowd of ​20,000 fans, with⁢ ticket prices soaring past ,000⁣ on the secondary market, witnessed Messi’s brilliance. The Union faithful even temporarily abandoned their team’s colors to don Messi gear, while others lined⁤ up⁣ for Messi jerseys and indulged in Messi fries from a food truck.

For the Union, the night was a ⁢financial success and a global spectacle. While they desired victory, the attention and ⁢revenue generated far exceeded any previous game in their history.

As Messi was ⁤introduced to the crowd, the fans erupted in excitement. Their cheers grew even louder when he scored, celebrating with arms extended and a triumphant fist pump ‍in the air.

The goals kept coming for Inter Miami, with Jordi Alba and Josef Martinez ‍also finding the back of the net in the first half, and David Ruiz adding ⁤another in the second. Alejandro Bedoya scored a consolation goal​ for Philadelphia ‍in the second half.

Union coach Jim Curtin acknowledged the strength of Inter Miami, stating,⁢ “That Miami team is⁢ gonna go. Their ownership is going to spend like crazy. They’re going to⁢ make them the best team in the league. They might already be the best team in the league. That’s coming and I don’t think anything’s stopping them.”

Union principal owner Jay Sugarman revealed that there was no consideration ⁢given to moving the game to a​ larger venue, such as Lincoln Financial Field. Despite the potential for more fans, Sugarman believed that Subaru Park was the ⁣perfect setting for the match.

The game attracted attention from various notable ⁢figures, including Philadelphia native and Hall of Fame boxer Bernard Hopkins, who struck the drum to welcome the teams onto the field. NBA MVP Joel Embiid, who⁤ played ‌soccer as​ a child⁤ in Cameroon, also​ expressed⁣ his interest in the game on social media.

Inter Miami had previously played in Chester before Messi’s arrival, leading Union officials to analyze the Leagues Cup⁣ field like ⁢an​ NCAA Tournament bracket once the matchup ​was announced.

Despite their excitement, the Union fell short of their own expectations. Coach‍ Curtin admitted, “I think there is a little bit ‍of, we ‌were too excited, maybe we showed a little ⁢too much‌ respect. We got punished by a good team. We got humbled​ a⁣ bit.”

Led by their⁤ passionate supporters group, the “Sons of Ben,” the Messi game sold out in less than 10 minutes. Ticket prices skyrocketed on the secondary market, with River End seats reaching⁤ over a thousand dollars. The average ​ticket price of $556 set a ⁢new record for ‍the Union.