Inter Miami defeated Philadelphia Union 4-1 on Tuesday to go to the Leagues Cup final, and Lionel Messi scored his ninth goal in six games.
Since Miami acquired the Argentinean striker to their squad last month, Philadelphia, who advanced to the MLS Cup final last season and have a substantial home record, were expected to present Miami with their most formidable challenge.
Serhiy Kryvtsov's throw was intercepted by rushing Josef Martinez, who scored the game's first goal three minutes later for the visiting Miami.
Messi received a pass from Martinez just past midfield and dribbled forward before unleashing a long shot that sailed past Union goalkeeper Andre Blake in the 20th minute. Blake was sluggish to react because he was strangely left unattended.
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Just before halftime, Jordi Alba gave the home team a 3-0 lead and further humiliated the Union as the crowd booed them as they entered the locker room.
Miami, who had scored 21 goals in their past six games, defeated Philadelphia with a goal from David Ruiz in the 84th minute. Philadelphia had pulled one back through Alejandro Bedoya in the 73rd minute.
Miami will play in its first Leagues Cup final in club history on Saturday against either CF Monterrey or Nashville SC, who play later on Tuesday.
Miami will participate in the CONCACAF Champions League for the first time, thanks to the victory next season.
