Inter Miami have booked their place in the Leagues Cup semifinal after defeating Charlotte FC 4-0 Friday night at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. Securing their first clean sheet in the Lionel Messi era of the club, Tata Martino's adjustments worked after allowing FC Dallas to score four goals in their last match. While Miami didn't grab the lead within ten minutes for the first time in their last three matches, a goal from the penalty spot saw Josef Martinez open the scoring for the club 12 minutes in. From there, the Herons were off and running with Messi's supporting cast getting the job done. Charlotte's defense did as well as they could to keep things contained but one can only hope to contain Miami, not stop them.
Robert Taylor added to the lead to get things rolling into the half before Charlotte's good work was undone for an own goal by Adilson Malanda. Not to be left out, Messi would get his eighth goal for the club before regulation was up via an assist from Leonardo Campana as the Herons stayed perfect since his arrival.
Next up, they'll play the Philadelphia Union on Tuesday, Aug. 15, in Chester. Games are beginning to add up as Messi started his third game in nine days and there won't be much of a rest with their semifinal match only four days. But with the depth that is being built around Messi, the Herons have been able to adjust.
Robert Taylor has four goals and four assists since Messi's arrival, Martinez has scored two penalties, Benjamin Cremaschi has changed the game from the bench and Campana has been able to shift things when he enters from the bench. Add that to Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba gelling and it gives the team a formidable base.
Things will be different against the Union, who have one of the best defenses in MLS, but the Union could be without Daniel Gazdag giving Miami more of a chance to get to their first cup final in club history.