Argentine World Cup: Lionel Messi continued his prolific scoring form with a superb first-half strike as Inter Miami reached the Leagues Cup final with a 4-1 away win over Philadelphia Union.

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Venezuelan striker Josef Martinez gave the hosts the lead in the third minute at Subaru Park when he ran onto Sergii Kryvtsov's pass and slotted a cool finish past goalkeeper Andre Blake, reports Xinhua.

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Martinez then turned provider as he found Messi in space, allowing the Argentine World Cup winner to stream forward before rifling a low 30-yard drive into the far corner.

Messi's former Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba made it 3-0 on the stroke of halftime when he pounced on Robert Taylor's through ball and dribbled into the area before finishing with a lofted shot over the lunging Blake.

Alejandro Bedoya reduced the deficit by firing home from close range after goalkeeper Drake Callender failed to deal with a corner.

But Miami put the result beyond doubt though substitute David Ruiz, who combined with Deandre Yedlin before angling a close-range finish past Blake.

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Inter Miami will meet either Monterrey or Nashville in the final on Saturday.

Messi has now scored nine times in six matches since joining the Florida outfit on a free transfer last month.

Also Read: Cricket History

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The Leagues Cup is an annual competition featuring clubs from the United States, Canada and Mexico.

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