Lionel Messi once again found the net for his new club, Inter Miami, propelling them into the finals of the Leagues Cup with a commanding 4-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union in Chester, Pennsylvania on the night of Tuesday to Wednesday, August 16th.

It didn't take long for Lionel Messi to adapt to his new club and North American soccer. In fact, the Argentine now has nine goals in six appearances for Miami. Using his left foot, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner skillfully placed a clever low shot from 25 meters (20th minute) past goalkeeper Andre Blake in the Tuesday-to-Wednesday night semi-final clash against the Philadelphia Union (4-1).

Six consecutive wins since Messi's arrival

Inter Miami had already taken the lead early in the game through Josef Martinez (3rd minute) before Messi contributed, with the assist coming from the same Martinez.

Another former FC Barcelona player, Jordi Alba, who also joined Florida this summer—alongside Sergio Busquets, who was a starter in midfield—netted the third goal (45+3rd minute) for a 3-0 lead. Philly narrowed the gap with a goal from Alejandro Bedoya in the 73rd minute, but substitute David Ruiz restored the three-goal advantage towards the end of the match (84th minute).

Unlike Miami, the Philadelphia Union holds a strong position on the podium of the Eastern Conference in the league, securing the third spot. Prior to their defeat on Tuesday, they had lost only once in 38 home matches. The Floridians, who initially entered the Leagues Cup at the bottom of their Eastern Conference and were the weakest team in Major League Soccer (MLS), have now achieved six consecutive victories since the arrival of their new number 10.

In the final of this unique competition that brings together the finest teams from North America and Mexico, they will face off against Nashville, who defeated the Mexican team CF Monterrey (2-0) and stand high in the Eastern Conference standings in MLS.

Since the arrival of the World Cup champion, Inter Miami has undergone a transformation, and Messi will be participating in his 42nd career final on Saturday. Having left Paris Saint-Germain to sign with the United States in June, this latest triumph for Inter Miami secures their place in the upcoming CONCACAF Champions League, the most prestigious competition in the North America, Central America, and Caribbean region.