Lionel Messi Shines as Inter Miami Beat Orlando City 3-1 to Reach Leagues Cup Final

Inter Miami’s Argentine superstar Lionel Messi was again uncomfortable after playing a match after returning from injury. Because of this, he missed two matches in between. Today (Thursday), coach Javier Mascherano brought him back for an important match like the Leagues Cup semi-final. Where Messi scored two goals, including a controversial penalty, to secure Miami’s final.

Inter Miami defeated Orlando City 3-1 in the match held at home at Chase Stadium in the morning. Although the visiting Orlando took the first lead in the match, the Florida club left the field with a goal from Messi and a goal from Telasco Segovia. Miami also dominated possession on the day. With 59 percent possession, they could put 14 shots on 6 goals. In contrast, Orlando had 4 of 11 shots on target.

Orlando took the lead in the match in the first half, when Marko Pasalic scored from 18 yards. The visitors’ lead lasted until the 77th minute, when Miami’s Tadeo Allende was fouled in their own box. Although the foul is disputed, Allende claimed that David Brecalo grabbed his jersey and pulled it away. But it was not clear on TV replays. However, Brekalo was forced to leave the field after receiving a second yellow card for that foul. Orlando played the rest of the game with 10 men.

Messi coolly equalized Miami with a successful spot kick. In the 88th minute, after exchanging the ball with teammate Jordi Alba, the Albileste star entered the box and took a shot that bit the ground from the corner. The Orlando goalkeeper jumped but could not reach it. Segovia scored Miami’s third goal in the first minute of added time, taking advantage of the opponent being one less. He also entered the box and beat the goalkeeper in a great combination with Luis Suarez.

This 3-1 win has secured Miami a place in the Leagues Cup final as well as the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup. Messi-Suarez’s opponents in the Leagues Cup final on August 31 will be either LA Galaxy or Seattle Sounders FC.