Lionel Messi scored twice and assisted another goal as Inter Miami defeated Philadelphia Union 3-1 in the Leagues Cup semi-finals on Tuesday night.
Messi, who joined Inter Miami from Barcelona in July, continued his sensational form with his ninth and tenth goals of the tournament. He opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a curling free kick from 25 yards that left goalkeeper Andre Blake rooted to the spot.
Philadelphia equalized in the 34th minute when Kacper Przybylko headed in a cross from Kai Wagner, but Inter Miami restored their lead just before halftime when Messi set up Gonzalo Higuain for a tap-in.
In the second half, Inter Miami controlled the game and sealed their place in the final when Messi scored his second goal in the 76th minute, finishing off a swift counterattack with a low shot into the bottom corner.
Inter Miami, who have won six straight matches in the Leagues Cup, will face either Monterrey or Cruz Azul in the final on August 22. Philadelphia, who were fourth in MLS last season, bowed out of the tournament after conceding seven goals in two games.
Sources: The Athletic, Palm Beach Post, ESPN, CBS Sports
