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Lionel Messi once again lit up the United States, guiding Inter Miami to an emphatic 4-1 victory over Philadelphia Union in the semi-finals of the Leagues Cup.
Messi, who has seamlessly transitioned into his role at Inter Miami, proved pivotal by launching a thunderous shot from 30 yards out in the 20th minute, weaving it past three Philadelphia players. With this, Messi took his tally to nine goals in just six appearances, remarkably ranking him as the third-highest scorer in the club's history despite his brief tenure.
Inter Miami's dominance was further stamped with Jordi Alba finding the net just before the interval to open his account with the David Beckham-owned club. Josef Martinez scored in the first half, and the young sensation, 19-year-old David Ruiz, rounded off the tally in the 84th minute. Philadelphia's Alejandro Bedoya did net a goal in the latter half, but it merely served as a footnote against the might of Inter Miami on the day.
Subaru Park, Philadelphia Union's home turf, was packed to the rafters with an estimated 20,000 spectators. The fervour surrounding this match was palpable as tickets were snapped up in under 10 minutes, and some even fetched prices upwards of $1,000 in the secondary market – a new benchmark for soccer ticket prices in the Philly vicinity.
Since Messi's inception into the squad, Inter Miami, previously struggling at the lower echelons of the MLS Eastern Conference, has undergone a metamorphosis. They've remained undefeated in the five matches featuring Messi, showcasing a transformative shift in form.
Inter Miami is now set to clash with either Nashville SC or Mexico's Monterrey for the coveted Leagues Cup trophy.
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