Miami, FL
Lionel Messi saves Inter Miami from Champions Cup exit with stirring fightback
In 2017, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Javier Mascherano spearheaded one of Barcelona’s most thrilling comeback wins. The Catalan side entered the Champions League round of 16 second leg with a four-goal deficit to Paris Saint-Germain. It was a near-impossible task to advance despite the enormous amount of talent that Barcelona fielded.
Suarez and Messi scored, and Barcelona pulled off a remarkable 6-1 win to move on, 6-5 on aggregate. La Remontada (“The Comeback”) was etched in Barcelona lore.
Wednesday night, Mascherano, now the manager of Inter Miami, relied on Messi and Suarez once again. Now in their final years as professionals, the two South Americans helped Miami defeat LAFC 3-1 on aggregate to advance to the Concacaf Champions League semifinals.
Messi scored twice, the first a thunderous strike from just inside the penalty area to beat LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and give Miami life in the first half. After Fernando Redondo’s glancing header gave Miami a 2-1 lead in the 61st minute, Miami were awarded a penalty kick after LAFC defender Marlon handled the ball in the 84th minute.
Messi stepped up and beat Lloris again from the penalty spot. It was a flashback to the 2022 World Cup final at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar, where Messi scored twice from the spot to help Argentina win a thrilling final. Wednesday, Messi used a similar start and stuttered run-up to keep Lloris guessing before causally placing the ball into the net as the former French international looked on in despair.
At kickoff, the deficit for Miami seemed like a much more manageable challenge than what Messi and Barcelona faced in 2017. LAFC held a 1-0 lead entering the contest, but when defender Aaron Long scored in the 10th minute, the hole Miami would have to dig themselves out of got considerably deeper. They would need three unanswered goals to advance, and at that moment, it felt like Miami would crash out of the tournament, raising questions about the future of its star-studded project.
Mascherano was entrusted by Miami managing owner Jorge Mas to succeed Tata Martino and take a team that broke the MLS points record in 2024 — and won the Supporters’ Shield — to new heights. His inexperience as a head coach at the professional level and previous failures as Argentina’s U-23 coach will follow him until he wins a trophy with Miami. A loss Wednesday would have exacerbated those concerns. A loss would’ve recalibrated Miami’s season expectations as well.
For a club that wants to earn international clout on the pitch, the Champions Cup is a tournament they must contend for. Being a contender at the Club World Cup this summer, featuring some of Europe’s and South America’s best teams, might be a bar that’s too high for an MLS team to reach. Miami are still in contention to win the MLS Cup final and an international trophy. Smiling ear to ear in his postgame news conference, Mascherano reminded reporters about what he had said Tuesday in terms of what would be needed to advance.
“A cool head and your heart in your hands,” Mascherano said. “If I’m going to lose, I want to lose like that: with the players giving everything. We wanted to be in the semifinal, and it showed, making mistakes but also playing well. I just told Jorge Mas that luck is needed for these types of comebacks. That’s why football is so beautiful. The coin landed on our side.”
Marcelo Weigandt heads the ball while under pressure from Denis Bouanga. (Megan Briggs / Getty Images)
LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo rued his side’s inability to stop Miami when they had the chance. But the match had a bit of everything. It was a fast-paced affair in which LAFC at times looked like the better side. When it appeared that Miami might not find the goals to advance, the headlines were writing themselves, all in favor of LAFC, a Hollywood-inspired club with experienced internationals and their pair of World Cup winners in Lloris and Olivier Giroud.
Denis Bouanga, 30, a player who has been an MVP candidate since his arrival in 2022, put on a show in the first half and was a danger to score throughout the night. He terrorized Miami’s right side and should have gotten on the scoresheet.
Yet, it was Messi, 37, whose clinical play and nonstop engine (albeit sputtering at times) drove Miami to victory. They were helped by Bouanga’s missed chances in front of goal, of course.
“They couldn’t put the game away. They gave us life,” Mascherano said.
When he was asked about Messi, Mascherano told reporters that talking about the Argentina captain makes him a bit uncomfortable. They’ve known each other for more than 20 years, first as teammates with Argentina and Barcelona, and now in a very different situation as player and coach.
Still, Mascherano’s adulation for Messi was untempered.
“He’s the soul of this team. There’s no doubt about that,” Mascherano said. “He has won everything in this sport. He’s the greatest of all time, and he’s still showing what it means to want to win. He’ll do the impossible to win. He keeps you in the game. He scored the winning penalty. I just try to help him continue to win and to continue to be happy.
“I knew it would be an unforgettable night because I know my players, even though the veterans have won everything. The young players are hungry to put this club at another level.”
Miami will face either Mexico’s Pumas or the Vancouver Whitecaps in the semifinal round, with those teams also battling it out Wednesday night. Meanwhile, their MLS season will continue, and preparation for the Club World Cup will come sooner than later. For now, however, Miami will celebrate a hard-fought win that keeps their dream of international glory alive. Mascherano made the right tactical decisions on the night and showed he has a clear understanding of what this group’s strengths and weaknesses might be early in 2025. As a player, Mascherano played with a knife between his teeth. Wednesday in Fort Lauderdale, his team did the same.
“We cannot think about the Club World Cup,” Mascherano said. “We have Chicago Fire on Sunday, but this is the way.”
(Top photo of Lionel Messi celebrating after scoring the team’s first goal: Rich Storry / Getty Images)
Crews were making progress as they battled three brush fires in western Miami-Dade County on Friday, tackling hotspots and turning off power to help put the flames out.
Firefighters have worked for almost a week in uncomfortable heat to increase containment and keep flames from two fires away from people and businesses. On Wednesday, around 200 residents were evacuated and on Thursday, one firefighter was injured while battling the Quarry 2 fire and hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries.
Now, a third blaze is also burning. But the rain that could make the difference in the firefight may not be far off.
3 Wildfires are continuing to burn this afternoon across western Miami-Dade County with smoke visible on traffic cameras & radar.
SE winds have kept the smoke away from the metro today, however winds may veer more southerly overnight bringing smoke back closer to the metro. pic.twitter.com/rWG4Yo3jro
— NWS Miami (@NWSMiami) June 18, 2026
What fires are burning?
The Quarry 2 fire had reached around 17,200 acres by Thursday night and was about 75% contained, according to the Florida Forest Service.
The Florida Forest Service said it responded to the blaze on Sunday, after it originated from a thunderstorm and lightning strike.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue officials said its crews started battling it in the area of Northwest 137th Avenue and Northwest 25th Street on Monday.
A second fire, the Well Fire, was discovered on Thursday, has burned 1,310 acres and was 50% contained at last update earlier this week.
A third fire, the Coptic Fire, was discovered on Wednesday. It has burned 1,680 acres, is 40% contained and is being handled by the U.S. Forest Service since it’s burning on federal land.
200 residents evacuated; businesses feel the heat
Officials said Wednesday that around 200 residents of nearby Mack’s Fish Camp voluntarily evacuated and many were moved to a nearby fairgrounds while some went to live with family members. Some residents were encouraged to leave but chose to stay, officials said.
“No electricity. Can’t stay where there’s no electric; I need my air conditioning,” one resident, Lisa, said after leaving her home. “I packed my medicine, and my milk that’s going bad from the refrigerator that’s been off for four hours, and my tea, and here we are.”
Maurice Cullen, of Everglades Airboat Expeditions, said the longer the fires burn, the fewer customers he’ll see.
“It’s not good for business, it definitely stops everybody going to the Everglades,” he said. “It’s never good, but this is natural. This is a normal cycle out in the Everglades.”
No injuries have been reported, but people with respiratory conditions in the area were advised to stay indoors and recirculate the air from their air conditioners.
Officials wait for rain amid a heat index up to 110 degrees
Hundreds of staff, including Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, Broward Sheriff’s Fire Rescue and the National Guard are all working alongside the Forest Service to put the flames out.
Officials say the biggest factor right now is the weather.
“We’re just hitting it hard with everything we have with our partners,” Patrick Mahoney said. “We need a weeklong, multi-day long rain event to really get us out of this.”
Fortunately, Friday could see some storms late in the afternoon and evening, which would kick off a wetter pattern for two or three days, NBC6 Meteorologist Adam Berg forecasts. The NWS says the rain on Friday will be “mainly focused over inland SoFlo.”
Winds have also remained calm, which is good because strong gusts could spread flames dangerously fast.
A heat advisory will be in effect again from noon until 7 p.m. in Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties, the National Weather Service said Friday. While not directly related to the fires, it makes the firefight more uncomfortable for first responders.
Heat indices up to 110° are possible.
6/19 – Look familiar? That’s because it is identical to yesterday! 🔥Heat index values across the region will reach 105-110 degrees again today. Shower and thunderstorm coverage will be mainly focused over inland SoFlo and initiate in the late afternoon. pic.twitter.com/gVbL0nwHhY
— NWS Miami (@NWSMiami) June 19, 2026
Road closures
Krome Avenue remains shut down in both directions. The Miccosukee Police Department advised drivers to “avoid the area, expect delays, and seek alternate routes until further notice.”
Pembroke Pines Police said Wednesday afternoon that U.S. Highway 27 southbound was also closed at Pines Boulevard due to the fire, but the roadway reopened later in the evening, police said.
Air quality improves
The National Weather Service warns that as smoke disperses, air quality may be reduced across the region.
Still, the air quality has improved from “unhealthy” in the areas closest to the fires on Wednesday to “good” or “moderate” on Friday, according to the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map.
More sensitive groups “should consider reducing outdoor activity” and go inside for cleaner air in the event of symptoms.
How to stay safe amid smoky conditions
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said smoke can reduce visibility on the road and cause respiratory issues. Authorities suggest that:
- If you must drive through smoke or haze, use extra caution, increase your following distance, and use low-beam headlights.
- If smoke is present in your area, limit time outdoors, keep doors and windows closed, and set air conditioning systems to recirculate indoor air. These precautions are especially important for individuals with respiratory conditions.
A group of South Florida students is preparing to travel more than 8,000 miles to Zimbabwe next Wednesday, though organizers say reaching their fundraising goals has become increasingly difficult this year.
Ten students from Miami Central Senior High School are scheduled to spend 18 days in the country as part of the Blindfolded International Student Cultural Exchange Program (BISCEP). The initiative aims to provide students with cultural immersion and foster global relationships.
“I’m really excited but also a tad bit nervous,” said 11th grader Shonneice Ferris.
For student Samir Rios, the trip offers a chance to engage with a new community. “The most anticipated thing that I’m looking forward to is most likely the students and the kids,” Rios said.
During the 18-day excursion, students plan to attend local schools, volunteer at an orphanage, and visit sites including Victoria Falls. “The first week we’re going to be going to school in Zimbabwe,” Ferris said.
Despite the program’s history of successful trips, BISCEP founder Edwin Sheppard said fundraising efforts have stalled. Many longtime donors have reduced their contributions due to budget constraints.
“A lot of our donors, our past donors, have not been able to donate what they’ve donated in the past,” Sheppard said. “A lot of budget cuts, and so we’re still struggling to raise all of the funding.”
Organizers confirmed the trip will proceed as scheduled despite the financial hurdles.
“This is two different schools, two different sides of the world and two different continents, and I think we’re going to do something amazing out of this,” Rios said.
The students are scheduled to depart next Wednesday. Organizers continue to seek donations to cover the remaining costs. Those interested in supporting the Miami Central Senior High students can find more information at biscep.org.
The contact period for 2028 recruits officially opened on June 15th, and Miami has been active on the recruiting trail.
Now more than ever, recruiting players early matters, with several committing before taking their official visits in their senior season.
Miami has been high on 2028 running back Terriel Harmon for a while, and he discussed the Hurricanes with Miami Hurricanes on SI.
READ MORE: Miami Hurricanes’ 2027 Football Commitment Tracker
The Hurricanes contacted Harmon almost immediately after the contact period opened and got down to business with him.
“The running backs coach (Coach Merritt) hit me up, and we just talked about the leadership I am going to bring to Miami and the environment of Miami,” Harmon said.
Even before the contact period opened up, Harmon already had a sense of what Miami was like.
“They bring the energy,” Harmon continued. “I love the players like Javian Mallory, Malachi Toney, and Mark Fletcher.”
Mallory is an incoming freshman running back at Miami, and he played high school ball at West Boca. Harmon just transferred to the South Florida power. The two of them have a great connection, and Mallory is recruiting Harmon to join him in college.
“He’s been telling me that Miami is the place to be and that it is great,” Harmon said.
Even though it’s still early in his recruitment, the Hurricanes are still in a prime position for the local three-star running back.
“I’m still not sure where I will go to school, but Miami is for sure at the top,” Harmon finished.
More About the 2028 Class
The 2028 class will be crucial for the future of Miami. Arguably, the two best prospects of the past few years, Amir Sears and Bryson Wright, are right in the Hurricanes’ backyard, and the two could change the course of Hurricanes football if they come.
Overall, the 2028 class in Florida might be one of the best in any state ever. There is so much talent throughout the state, and Miami is looking to get a class that rivals this 2027 class, which is the top three in the country per Rivals.
Some other in-state prospects that the Hurricanes are targeting include Gabriel Player (four-star linebacker), Asher Ghioto (four-star defensive lineman), Antonio Thompson Jr. (four-star defensive back), and George Selvie (four-star offensive lineman), amongst a ton of others.
While Harmon is only a three-star now, it would not be surprising if he becomes a four-star by the end of his senior season.
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