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.

Roddy ConsRoddyConsUpdate: Aug 16th, 2023 01:36 EDT

ANGELA WEISSAFP

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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🚍🚍 RUMBO A LA FINAL 🚍🚍 pic.twitter.com/JVnlTN5sC6

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 16, 2023

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.

GOL numero 9️⃣ para nuestro 🔟#PHIvMIA | 0-2 pic.twitter.com/W6w0Th4pzZ

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 15, 2023

From how far out was Messi’s goal against The Union?