Lionel Messi has scored his eight goal in the Major League Soccer as Inter Miami defeated Charlotte to reach Leagues Cup semifinals.
The Argentine continued a five-game scoring streak, waiting until the 88th minute to score Miami’s fourth and final goal.
Inter Miami is witnessing a spectacular turnaround, with the least surprising source possible, given that Inter Miami began the Leagues Cup with an MLS-worst 5-3-14 record.
Messi has extended his lead in the race for the Leagues Cup Golden Boot, edging Minnesota United FC forward Bongokuhle Hlongwane, who he was level with at seven goals heading into the evening.
The Argentine and Inter Miami will play in the Eastern semifinal match on Tuesday, August 15 against an opponent to be determined between the winner of Philadelphia Union and Queretaro.
Since adding Messi, Miami has scored 17 goals in five matches, with thrillers and blowouts in equal measure. Messi has scored eight of those goals and assisted on three of them.
