[ All photos and article by Rick Pettine ]
August 15, 2023 – Camden, NJ — The Philadelphia Union eared a semifinal match against arguably the best player in MLS today, Lionel Messi – oh yeah, and the rest of his Inter Miami club! Although a loss for Philly, it surely was a boost for soccer in the region to be able to watch such a magical player in-person.
Some tickets for the match were selling for more than $1,000 each due to the GOAT’s presence. And he did not disappoint those who came to see him play, except for the die-hard Union fans of course. Messi scored 2 goals and was masterful on the pitch, breaking ankles and leaving a wake of head-shaking in his path.
However the Union had flashes of brilliance defending Messi, including a goal-saving block from Jack Elliott after defender Jakob Glesnes and goalie Andre Blake were already on the ground as Messi went in to shoot.
The Union will play in the third-place Leagues Cup match to be able to earn play in the upcoming Concacaf Champions Cup tournament.
Check out a sample of the game album in the gallery below:
