Inter Miami and Lionel Messi continue their fairy tale. The team, currently sitting at the bottom of the MLS’ Eastern Conference, beat Philadelphia Union 4-1 to reach the final of the Leagues Cup.

The clash was one of the hardest yet for the Herons on paper. Philadelphia is currently third in the MLS Eastern Conference, and while they had to work hard for their spot in the semis, they had the support of the home crowd.

However, the team coached by Gerardo Martino came out swinging. Just four minutes into the match, defender Sergey Krivtsov launched a long ball for Venezuelan striker Josef Martínez, who controlled it and shot low and hard to the bottom right to open the scoreboard. Martínez had so far struggled to score from open play, and had recently thanked Messi for allowing him to take the penalties to regain confidence.

Coming to the 20th minute, it was the Argentine who doubled the lead. Receiving the ball close to the center of the pitch, he found himself unmarked and unleashed a rocket-like kick which surprised Philadelphia goalkeeper André Blake to make it 2-0. The hit from 32 meters away ties Messi’s longest range effort ever, scored in 2012 against Mallorca, and takes the World Cup winner’s tally with Inter Miami to nine.

The Herons hit again before the half time. It was Robert Taylor, one of the best performers since Messi’s arrival, who recovered the ball in his own defensive third, dribbled forward and then launched a pass into space for Jordi Alba, leaving him with an easy job to score the third goal of the night.

When the second half started, Philadelphia improved their performance. At the hour mark, Philadelphia’s semifinals hero Chris Donovan had a big chance putting in a big header, only for Inter Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender to pull off one of the saves of the tournament. Just 13 minutes later, midfielder Alejandro Bedoya took advantage of a scrappy play from a cross to make it 3-1.

However, it would prove too little, too late for Philadelphia. With less than ten minutes to go, fullback DeAndre Yedlin dribbled down the right and put a pass for 19-year-old David Ruiz to make it 4-1.

Inter Miami will now face Nashville SC in the final of the Leagues Cup. The team from Tennessee beat Mexican side Monterrey last night 2-0 at home, with goals from English striker Sam Surridge and American midfielder Fafà Picault.

The final will be played on Saturday, August 19 in the United States. It is expected a neutral venue will be chosen, with the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles or Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas among the most likely options.