Inter Miami 4-1 Philadelphia Union: Messi masterclass sends Herons to Leagues Cup final

Lionel Messi scored a stunning goal and provided two assists as Inter Miami thrashed Philadelphia Union 4-1 to reach the final of the Leagues Cup.

The Argentine superstar was in inspired form from the start, setting up Josef Martinez for the opening goal in the third minute. He then doubled Inter Miami's lead with a brilliant individual effort in the 20th minute, curling a shot through the legs of a Philadelphia Union defender and into the bottom corner from 20 yards out.

Messi turned provider again for Jordi Alba to make it 3-0 in the 45th minute, before Alejandro Bedoya pulled one back for Philadelphia early in the second half. But Inter Miami restored their three-goal cushion in the 82nd minute through David Ruiz, sealing a comprehensive victory.

The result is a major statement of intent from Inter Miami, who have now won all five of their Leagues Cup matches under the guidance of Phil Neville. Messi has been the star of the show, scoring five goals and providing four assists in those five games.

The Herons will now face Liga MX side Tigres UANL in the final of the Leagues Cup on September 22. It will be their first ever major final, and they will be hoping to bring the trophy back to Miami.

How Inter Miami won

Inter Miami were simply too good for Philadelphia Union on Tuesday night. They were faster, more creative, and more clinical in front of goal.

Messi was the difference-maker, but he was not the only one who played well. Martinez was a constant threat in attack, while Gonzalo Higuain and Blaise Matuidi controlled the midfield.

Inter Miami also defended well, limiting the Union to very few chances. The Herons were particularly strong in the air, winning most of the aerial duels.

Messi's masterclass

Messi was simply unplayable on Tuesday night. He scored a brilliant goal, provided two assists, and was involved in almost every good thing that Inter Miami did.

His goal in the 20th minute was a thing of beauty. He picked up the ball on the edge of the box, turned his marker, and curled a shot through the legs of a Philadelphia Union defender and into the bottom corner. It was a goal that Lionel Messi would have been proud of.

Messi also provided assists for Martinez and Alba. His passing was inch-perfect, and he always seemed to know where his teammates were.

It was a truly dominant performance from Messi, and it will be interesting to see if he can keep it up in the final against Tigres UANL.

What the future holds for Inter Miami

Inter Miami are a team on the rise. They have a talented squad, led by Messi, and they are playing some exciting football.

They have already won the MLS Supporters' Shield, and they are now in the final of the Leagues Cup. They will be hoping to go one step further and win the tournament.

If they can do that, it will be a major statement of intent from Inter Miami. They will have shown that they are a team to be reckoned with, and they will be a force to be reckoned with in MLS for years to come.

What next for Philadelphia Union?

Philadelphia Union will be disappointed with their performance on Tuesday night. They were simply outplayed by Inter Miami, and they have a lot of work to do if they want to challenge for the MLS Cup this season.

They need to find a way to contain Messi, and they need to be more clinical in front of goal. They also need to improve their defense, as they have conceded too many goals this season.

If they can make those improvements, they will be a much more dangerous team. But they need to do it quickly, or they will be left behind by the other top teams in MLS.