PicoBlog

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Inter Miami is through to the semifinals of the Leagues Cup, and the team got there without having to leave second gear in its most recent victory.

Inter Miami on Friday advanced to the next round of the tournament via a 4-0 home mauling of Charlotte FC. The lopsided scoreline was indicative of how dominant the South Florida side was from the run of play at Drv Pnk Stadium, but the win was not the latest attacking masterclass from Lionel Messi and Co.

Instead, it was the defense that shone brightest for Inter Miami. Players like Kamal Miller, Dixon Arroyo, Jordi Alba and DeAndre Yedlin turned in strong performances against an overmatched Charlotte FC team while Messi, by his lofty standards, had a more average showing.

Drake Callender (7.5) — Nearly flawless in dealing with crosses that came his way, and made the routine saves that needed to be made.

DeAndre Yedlin (7.5) — Dominated his individual match-up and flank while also serving up a quality assist for the first insurance goal.

Sergii Kryvtsov (7.5) — Turned in a solid shift in which he was never overly troubled as he kept the game in front of him.

Kamal Miller (8.5) — Passed well in the first half in addition to being a defensive rock. Also took a smart yellow for a tactical foul in the second stanza.

Jordi Alba (8) — A constant attacking menace during the opening 45 minutes with his forays forward, and more than serviceable defensively before fading some after the break.

Dixon Arroyo (8) — Earned the early penalty, hit a good switch to Messi in the lead-up to the final tally, and had some good interventions in a strong showing.

Sergio Busquets (6.5) — Delivered his trademark mix of passes, including a sublime diagonal ball to Yedlin on the second goal, but did not find Messi as often as we have seen in recent games.

Benjamin Cremaschi (6) — Covered plenty of ground with his never-ending motor, providing the midfield with added range and industry on both sides of the ball.

Robert Taylor (6.5) — Returned to the scoresheet and had nice moments of combination play on the left, though he was not consistently dangerous.

Lionel Messi (7) — He is human, after all. Found the back of the net late to keep his scoring streak going while also not being as influential or dangerous as he has been.

Josef Martinez (5.5) — Took his 12th-minute penalty very well, but then went back to being the attacking bystander that again did not threaten much up top.

Leonardo Campana (6.5) — Brought another element to the front line, and he took full advantage of the time and space he was given to pick out Messi on the last goal.

Diego Gomez (6.5) — Made solid contributions on both sides of the ball, including hitting the cross that led to the own goal that sunk Charlotte FC heads seconds after the visitors nearly made it 2-1.

David Ruiz (5.5) — Added some fresh legs in the midfield, but looked a bit uncomfortable playing in a wider position.

Victor Ulloa (N/A) — Minimal touches in a late cameo.

Noah Allen (N/A) — Also had little impact after entering in the dying moments.

Gerardo Martino (9) — His team was barely troubled, jumping out to another quick start, defending determinedly, and winning big en route to punching a ticket to the semifinals.

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