LEAGUES CUP 2023
Lionel Messi sets new “furthest goal” record in Inter Miami’s win at Philadelphia Union in the 2023 Leagues Cup
Former Barcelona star Messi has now scored nine goals in six matches for The Herons, who are into their first ever final.
Just when we think there are no records left for Lionel Messi to break, he somehow manages to prove us all wrong. The former Barcelona star was again in majestic form for Inter Miami against Philadelphia Union in the Leagues Cup semi-finals at Subaru Park, inspiring The Herons to a convincing 4-1 victory at the home a team who had only lost one of their previous 39 matches on their own soil.
And, of course, David Beckham’s side couldn’t score four goals without Messi finding the net, which he did so in the 20th minute of the match, doubling the visitors’ lead after Josef Martínez had put them ahead in the opening stages.
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Nine goals in under a month for Inter Miami star
The Argentina captain scoring a goal is hardly newsworthy in itself at this stage, he has scored nine times in just six appearances in under a month for the Florida club, after all. However, on this occasion, his strike against The Union is one for his own personal record books.
Many people expected referee Daniel Quintero Huitrón to whistle for a free-kick when Martínez was clattered into by Damion Lowe just inside the Philadelphia Union half, but the official waved play on and allowed Messi to do his thing. The 36-year-old strode forward a few steps and unleashed a pinpoint low strike, which evaded Andre Blake and nestled in the bottom corner.
From how far out was Messi’s goal against The Union?
According to Spanish stats guru MisterChip, Messi found the net from 32.1 metres, making it the longest-range shot he has scored from in his entire career for Argentina, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and now Inter Miami. His previous record was a free-kick from 31.7 metres for Barça against Real Sociedad in 2018.
The Herons now go on to take on Nashville SC at Geodis Park in the first final in their short history. What record will Messi break then?