Lionel Messi sparked Inter Miami’s comeback win against LAFC to advance to the Champions Cup semis, but next are trips to face the top teams in each MLS conference.

When Inter Miami tipped Javier Mascherano to lead after Gerardo “Tata” Martino left the club, they knew they were taking a risk. Mascherano had never managed at the club level and clearly saw many of the senior players as his equals from their days at FC Barcelona .

Lionel Messi and MLS club Inter Miami are reportedly progressing toward a contract extension. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, talks between the two sides have advanced and they are close to an agreement, which is expected to be finalized soon.