Introduction
On Tuesday, the Columbus Crew secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over defending champions Inter Miami 2024 in the Leagues Cup. The match, played in Columbus, saw Diego Rossi score twice in the second half, propelling his team to the quarter-finals. This win came despite the absence of Inter Miami’s star player, Lionel Messi, who remains sidelined with an ankle injury.
Key Moments in the Match
Rossi’s Second-Half Brilliance
Diego Rossi turned the game around for Columbus Crew with two crucial goals in the second half. He first leveled the score in the 69th minute and then netted the decisive goal in the 80th minute. His performance was instrumental in dethroning Inter Miami, which had been the overall MLS season leader this year.
Inter Miami’s Early Advantage
Inter Miami 2024 took an early lead thanks to Paraguayan midfielder Matias Rojas, who scored in the 10th minute. His compatriot, Diego Gomez, doubled the advantage with a goal in the 62nd minute. However, Columbus Crew’s Christian Ramirez pulled one back in the 67th minute, setting up Rossi’s dramatic late-game heroics.
Messi’s Absence
Lionel Messi did not feature in this match due to a right ankle injury sustained during Argentina’s Copa America final against Colombia. His absence was felt by Inter Miami 2024, who struggled to maintain their form without their star player.
Upcoming Matches
Columbus Crew’s Next Challenge
Following their victory, Columbus Crew will host New York City FC in the quarter-finals on Saturday. New York City FC secured their place with a 2-1 win over Tigres. The match will be a significant test for Columbus Crew as they aim to continue their successful run in the tournament.
Philadelphia Union Advances
The Philadelphia Union also advanced to the quarter-finals with a 4-2 win over FC Cincinnati. Tai Baribo scored twice, and Mikael Uhre added another goal to secure the victory. The Union will face Mazatlán, who progressed after a dramatic penalty shootout against Cruz Azul.
Mazatlán’s Narrow Escape
Mazatlán initially led Cruz Azul 2-0 at half-time with goals from Bryan Colula and Edgar Barcenas. Despite Cruz Azul’s reduction to ten men and a late comeback, Mazatlán triumphed in the penalty shootout, winning 3-1.
Other Quarter-Final Matchups
Upcoming Fixtures
In other quarter-final matches, Toluca will face Colorado, with the winner advancing to play Mexican champions Club America or St. Louis. San Jose will take on Los Angeles FC, with the victor set to face Seattle on Saturday.
Notable Player Return
LAFC fans will be excited to see Olivier Giroud, the all-time French goals leader, make his debut for the team. The 37-year-old striker, who joined LAFC from AC Milan in May, will be available for selection in this crucial fixture.
Conclusion
The Leagues Cup continues to deliver thrilling football as teams battle for supremacy. Columbus Crew’s victory over Inter Miami, despite Messi’s absence, highlights the unpredictable nature of the tournament. With exciting fixtures lined up, football fans can look forward to more high-stakes action as the quarter-finals approach. Stay updated with the latest from IPL365.
