Inter Miami secured their spot in the Leagues Cup semifinals by defeating Charlotte FC with a resounding 4-0 victory at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on Friday night. This marked their first clean sheet during the Lionel Messi era of the club. After conceding four goals in their previous match against FC Dallas, Tata Martino’s tactical adjustments proved effective.
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How the match went between Inter Miami CF and Charlotte FC?
Although Inter Miami didn’t take the lead within the first ten minutes for the first time in their past three matches, they broke the deadlock 12 minutes in with a goal from Josef Martinez, who converted a penalty kick. The team gained momentum from there, with the supporting players around Messi playing a crucial role. Despite Charlotte’s efforts to contain Inter Miami, they couldn’t completely stifle the team’s attacking prowess.
Robert Taylor extended the lead before halftime, and an own goal by Adilson Malanda further dampened Charlotte’s hopes. Lionel Messi contributed his eighth goal for the club, assisted by Leonardo Campana, as Miami maintained their perfect record since Messi’s arrival.
The next challenge for Inter Miami is a match against the Philadelphia Union on Tuesday, August 15th, in Chester. The fixture list is becoming demanding, considering Messi’s third game in just nine days and a semifinal match coming up in four days. Nonetheless, Inter Miami’s increasing depth, with players like Robert Taylor, Josef Martinez, Benjamin Cremaschi, and Campana stepping up, has allowed the team to adapt effectively.
The team’s cohesion has been evident, with Robert Taylor tallying four goals and four assists since Messi joined. Martinez has contributed with two penalty goals, while substitutes like Benjamin Cremaschi have made impactful changes from the bench. Campana has also played a significant role in shifting the dynamics of the game when he enters as a substitute. The combination of Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba working together has formed a strong foundation for the team.
Looking ahead to the match against the Philadelphia Union, who boast one of the best defenses in MLS, Inter Miami acknowledges the challenge. Additionally, the absence of Daniel Gazdag for the Union could provide Inter Miami with an opportunity to reach their first-ever cup final in the club’s history.