Inter Miami reach Leagues Cup semi-finals

Lionel Messi has continued his impressive scoring run with Inter Miami, netting eight goals in five games for the club.

Lionel Messi made it eight goals as they eased into the semi-finals of the Leagues Cup with a 4-0 win over Charlotte FC on Friday.

The Argentine slotted in Miami's fourth goal in the 86th minute of what was a relatively routine victory for Gerardo Martino's team.
Despite the high expectations that come with being one of the world's greatest players, Messi had a relatively quiet night, scoring only once in the late stages of the game from a cross by Leonardo Campana.

However, his presence on the field was instrumental in creating an own goal in the second half, effectively putting the match beyond Charlotte FC's reach. Inter Miami, currently at the bottom of the Major League Soccer Eastern Conference, has seen a significant turnaround since Messi's arrival.

The team boasts a record of four wins and one draw since Messi's debut in the tournament opener, and has now advanced to the semifinals of the Leagues Cup, a competition featuring all 47 teams from MLS and Mexico's Liga MX.

If Inter Miami secures a win in either the semifinals or the third-place match, they will qualify for next year's CONCACAF Champions Cup, marking the club's first appearance in a continental competition.