Lionel Messi ‘humiliated’ Philadelphia Union, admits his coach Jim Curtin – who predicts David Beckham will ‘spend like CRAZY’ to sign more stars
Following Inter Miami’s 4-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union in the Leagues Cup semi-finals, Union head coach Jim Curtin had an interesting confession about his team.
“I think there’s a little bit, we were too excited, maybe we showed a little too much respect,” said Curtin.
“We were punished by a good team. We got a little humbled. They’re only going to get better. That team from Miami is leaving.’
“Their property is going to spend like crazy. They’re going to make them the best team in the league.’
They may already be the best team in the league. That’s coming and I don’t think there’s anything stopping them.’
Philadelphia Union head coach Jim Curtin was “humiliated” after his loss to Inter Miami
Lionel Messi and his teammates from Miami defeated the Union 4-1 in the semi-finals of the Leagues Cup
The Union now takes on CF Monterrey in the game for third place in the Leagues Cup
Miami got off to a whirlwind start after Josef Martinez scored in the third minute after holding a long ball and firing into the far corner.
And soon after, Messi intervened with a magical moment.
After picking up a ball tipped into his path by Martinez, Messi strolled forward and, realizing he was about to be sent off, made the most of the space around him by unleashing a luscious left-footed attack from 35 meters leaving the social area. media stunned.
Staying low, the ball swerved out of reach of Union goaltender Andre Blake, settling into the corner and leaving what had been a traditionally rowdy Philadelphia crowd at Subaru Park stunned and eerily silent.
There was more to come before the break – Jordi Alba rounded off a fantastic move for his first goal in Miami colours, going one-on-one and beating Blake with the composure of a striker like Messi or Martinez.
Philadelphia showed some belated signs of life after Alejandro Bedoya scored a sloppy goal, but to no avail.
In the end, David Ruiz made the game safe for Miami with a smart low finish in the 84th minute to allay fears of a Union comeback.
The Union now moves into a third place game against CF Monterrey, who were beaten by Nashville FC.