Inter Miami storms back to eliminate LAFC from CONCACAF Champion's Cup

MIAMI -- After holding a 2-0 aggregate lead in the early stages of leg two, LAFC fell to Inter Miami, 3-1, on Wednesday night and was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champion's Cup.

Los Angeles claimed the first leg with a 1-0 victory over Miami on April 2, giving themselves the momentum heading into leg two as they looked to advance into the semifinal round. However, three consecutive unanswered goals surrendered in the second half allowed Leo Messi and his squad to squeak out a 3-2 aggregate victory.

Messi delivered two goals for Miami, including the semifinal-clinching penalty in the 84th minute after LAFC was called for a crucial handball. 

Aaron Long had scored in the ninth minute for LAFC to open the scoring in the contest and give Los Angeles the early momentum.

Messi then got Miami on the board in the 35th minute with a strike from the left side of the box that got past Hugo Lloris on a nice assist from Luis Suárez. Following the halftime break, Noah Allen tied the aggregate score at 2-2 with a goal on a chip shot that had Lloris scrambling to react. He expected Miami midfielder Federico Rednondo to make a play on the ball, but he ultimately let it bounce off the grass and find its way into the net.

The handball off the forearm of Marlon in the 85th minute was not initially called, but the penalty kick was awarded upon review as Messi put Miami up 3-2 in the aggregate score and 3-1 in the game. The score capped of a 3-0 unanswered run for Miami to stun LAFC and move them on to the semifinals against either Pumas Unam or the Vancouver Whitecaps.

It ended up being déjà vu for Lloris, who allowed Messi to score two goals in the World Cup Final as a member of the French national team in 2022. The 38-year-old saved six shots in the losing effort.

LAFC, now officially out of contention for the Champion's Cup, will return to MLS play on Saturday as they host the San Jose Earthquakes. Following recent struggles, Los Angeles will look to get back on track against a San Jose squad that has only come up victorious twice since the beginning of March.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT.