Messi Inspires Miami Comeback to Reach Leagues Cup Final
Inter Miami booked their spot in the Leagues Cup final after a thrilling 3-1 win over Orlando City, thanks to a late double from Lionel Messi.
The Argentine star, returning from a thigh injury that kept him out for two matches, scored twice in the final 15 minutes to turn the game around at Chase Stadium on Wednesday night.
Orlando had taken a surprise lead just before half-time. Marco Pasalic struck after Miami failed to clear a loose ball, silencing the home fans. Video review confirmed the goal despite Miami’s appeals for handball.
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The second half saw Miami increase the pressure, with Luis Suarez forcing saves and Messi coming close but finding defenders in his way. Orlando’s hopes of holding on took a hit when defender David Brekalo received a second yellow card for pulling back substitute Tadeo Allende inside the box.
Messi calmly converted the penalty in the 77th minute, levelling the score. Eleven minutes later, the former Barcelona duo reunited, as Jordi Alba found Messi, who fired home to complete the turnaround. Telasco Segovia sealed the win in stoppage time.
Miami, who won the Leagues Cup last year in Messi’s debut season, will face either Los Angeles Galaxy or Seattle Sounders in Sunday’s final. Orlando now move to the third-place playoff, but still remain in contention for a 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup berth.