Match 6: The Messi Effect

August 16, 2023

By: Carlos Alvarez

Lionel Messi Scores 9th Goal in 6 Matches, Sends Inter Miami Into Leagues Cup Final

You thought the hype would calm down? Think again. The Inter Miami turnaround just keeps getting more ridiculous since the addition of Lionel Messi and his former Barcelona teammates, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets. Miami was 0-3-3 in the last six matches before Messi’s arrival. After last night’s 4-1 blowout against Philadelphia Union, Miami is now 6-0-0 since Messi and company stepped foot on American soil. Yes, Messi scored again — a line-drive left-footer from nearly 30 yards — to mark his ninth goal in just six matches. Tuesday’s showdown in Philly earned Miami a spot in the Leagues Cup Final, as well as an invitation to the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup — both historic firsts in franchise history. And the turnaround in Miami is pure magic.

Watch: Messi Scores 9th Goal in 6 Games, Lifts Inter Miami to Leagues Cup Final

Inter Miami’s 2023 Season

Before Messi: 22 Matches, 5 Wins, 22 Goals

After Messi: 6 Matches, 6 Wins, 21 Goals

Leagues Cup Final

Nashville SC vs. Inter Miami CF (Sat. 9:00 pm ET)

Yahoo! Sports: Lionel Messi, Inter Miami Roll Over Philadelphia 4-1 to Reach Leagues Cup Final

Photo: Tim Nwachukwu / Getty Images