Lionel Messi once again proved why he’s among the sport’s all-time greats, delivering a cold-blooded penalty in the 84th minute to send Inter Miami into the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-finals. His decisive strike against Los Angeles stunned the crowd and left even seasoned goalkeeper Hugo Lloris rooted to the spot.
With the match level and the stakes high, Messi stepped up under immense pressure. The moment demanded composure, and Messi delivered—using an unorthodox run-up that caught Lloris off-guard. As the ball hit the back of the net, DRV PNK Stadium erupted. David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami, celebrated from the stands, visibly moved by the moment.
The penalty was more than a goal. It was a statement—of calm under pressure, technical mastery, and relentless competitiveness.
This wasn’t the first time Messi has shouldered the weight of expectation from 12 yards. Over the course of his career, the Argentine has taken 141 penalties across club and international duty, converting 110 for a career conversion rate of 78%.
By comparison:
- Robert Lewandowski: 91% (81/89)
- Zlatan Ibrahimović: 85% (84/99)
- Cristiano Ronaldo: 83% (144/173)
While Messi’s percentage isn’t the highest, context matters. His ability to deliver when it matters most—finals, shootouts, and knockout matches—sets him apart.
Key Penalty Stats
- Total career penalties: 141
- Goals scored: 110
- Conversion rate: 78%
- Shootout record: 11/13
- Major misses:
- 2012 UEFA Champions League semi-final vs. Chelsea
- 2016 Copa América Final vs. Chile
In the 2022 World Cup final, Messi converted twice—once in regulation and again in the penalty shootout—helping Argentina lift the trophy in Qatar.
Since arriving in MLS, Messi has elevated Inter Miami’s profile on and off the pitch. Performances like this solidify his impact not just in terms of marketing or ticket sales, but in footballing terms. This goal wasn’t just about flair. It was efficient, calculated, and ruthless—a hallmark of the player he has become in the latter stages of his career.
With Inter Miami now in the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-finals, their ambitions of continental glory are alive—and Messi’s form will be central to that pursuit.
Reaction and video: The response was instant. Fans inside the stadium and across the continent lit up social media with praise. David Beckham, rarely one to show open emotion, was visibly overwhelmed. Hugo Lloris, a veteran of countless high-level matches, looked stunned by the execution.
Moments like these are what define careers. While Messi has countless iconic goals to his name, this penalty, delivered in front of a sold-out crowd on American soil, stands out. Not because of the stakes alone—but because of how it was taken: calm, precise, and totally unfazed.
