Inter Miami may have entered the summer break as the worst team in MLS, but it's leaving it as one of the top four teams in North America.
The Florida club clinched a semifinal slot in the Leagues Cup Friday evening by beating Charlotte FC 4-0 at home in Fort Lauderdale.
That brings Inter Miami's Leagues Cup goal-scoring tally up to 17 in just the last five games – with eight of those goals coming from Lionel Messi.
Leo couldn't take a night off from scoring!
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 12, 2023
Messi makes it 4-0. pic.twitter.com/9E2ojuweZZ
But it wasn't just Messi in fine form Friday. Defensive midfielder Sergio Busquets was instrumental in the center of the park, dictating play and refusing to allow Charlotte to build up any passing rhythm.
Right-sided defender DeAndre Yedlin had a great game as well, combining with Busquets to set up a beautiful assist for Miami's second goal of the evening.
Busquets --> Yedlin --> Taylor
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 12, 2023
Miami double their lead!
Watch now with #MLSSeasonPass on @AppleTV: https://t.co/qUNiYMPPV8 pic.twitter.com/wTS0uCRPDo
This team-wide chemistry is a wonderful development for Inter Miami, as the club faced legitimate concerns over whether Messi, Busquets and other expensive signings would elevate the unit or simply feel grafted on. With players of all positions and skill levels finding their way onto Miami's scoresheet – and clean sheets finally becoming a more regular occurrence – Miami is proving that it aims to build a real team, not just a collection of superstars.
Miami will face the Philadelphia Union in the semifinals. The Union earned its place by beating Querétaro 2-1 in a feisty, aggressive game decided by an injury-time winner from Chris Donovan.
CHRIS DONOVAN PUTS #DOOP AHEAD IN THE 101ST MINUTE pic.twitter.com/ZHAt0w3R3V
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 12, 2023
The winner of the Miami - Philadelphia match will move on to the Leagues Cup final on August 19th.
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