Inter Miami Dominates Leagues Cup Quarterfinal with a 4-0 Victory Over Charlotte FC

Amid the vibrant atmosphere of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on August 11, a moment of jubilation unfolded as Lionel Messi, donning the #10 jersey for Inter Miami CF, celebrated a pivotal turning point in the Leagues Cup 2023 quarterfinal match against Charlotte FC. The scene captured in Hector Vivas' lens showcased Messi's exultation following an own goal by Adilson Malanda (#29) of Charlotte FC. This crucial development occurred in the second half of the match, amidst the backdrop of the DRV PNK Stadium. The image encapsulates the energy, tension, and drama that defined this riveting encounter between the two teams vying for supremacy on the football field. The skillful framing and timely capture of this moment by Hector Vivas through the lens of Getty Images via AFP immortalizes Messi's celebration as a testament to the dynamic nature of the beautiful game.

 In a thrilling Leagues Cup quarterfinal clash, Inter Miami displayed their prowess on the pitch, delivering a remarkable 4-0 victory against Charlotte FC. The DRV PNK Stadium in Florida bore witness to an electrifying showdown that showcased not only the skills of the players but also the tactical brilliance of both teams.

First Half Highlights

The match kicked off with an air of anticipation, as fans packed the stadium to catch a glimpse of Lionel Messi, the talismanic figure for Inter Miami. From the very beginning, it was evident that Miami was in control of the game. Their swift passes and intricate movements put Charlotte FC's defense on the backfoot.

In the 12th minute, Inter Miami drew first blood as a penalty was awarded in their favor. Arroyo was brought down inside the box, and Martinez made no mistake in converting the spot-kick, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. This early lead set the tone for the rest of the half, with Miami consistently applying pressure and testing Charlotte's defense.

As the clock ticked on, Inter Miami continued to dominate possession, with Messi's creative playmaking at the heart of their attacks. The former Barcelona star linked up with his teammates, particularly Alba and Busquets, as they orchestrated their movements through the midfield. However, Charlotte FC's defense managed to thwart some dangerous moments, preventing Miami from extending their lead.

Second Half Action

The second half saw no let-up in Inter Miami's relentless pursuit of goals. In the 32nd minute, they found their breakthrough once again. A magnificent long ball from Busquets found Yedlin on the edge of the box, who then fed Taylor inside the area. Taylor's clinical finish left the Charlotte goalkeeper helpless, doubling Miami's advantage.

But Miami wasn't done yet. In the 78th minute, a swift counter-attack caught Charlotte FC off-guard. Messi, the orchestrator, sent a perfectly weighted through ball into the box. Malanda, in a stroke of misfortune, ended up slotting the ball into his own net, further widening the gap on the scoreboard.

The highlight of the match came in the 87th minute, courtesy of none other than Lionel Messi. His seamless connection with Campana left Charlotte's defenders scrambling to stop the impending danger. However, Messi's skill and composure shone through as he calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper, sealing his name on the scoresheet.

Full-Time Verdict

As the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read 4-0 in favor of Inter Miami. The victory showcased their dominance on both ends of the pitch. Messi's influence was undeniable, not just for his goal but for his overall impact on the team's performance. His partnership with Martinez and Taylor up front proved to be a formidable trio that Charlotte FC struggled to contain.

This quarterfinal victory propels Inter Miami into the semifinals of the Leagues Cup, a testament to their growth and development under Messi's leadership. Their clinical display of attacking prowess, combined with a solid defensive foundation, positions them as strong contenders for the coveted cup.

The fans at DRV PNK Stadium were treated to an exhilarating display of football, and as the celebrations echoed through the arena, it was evident that Inter Miami's journey in the Leagues Cup had only just begun. The stage is set for the next chapter in their quest for glory, and the football world eagerly awaits their next match with bated breath.