Lionel Messi struck twice late as Inter Miami came from behind to defeat Orlando City 3-1 and book their place in the Leagues Cup final on Wednesday night.
Making his return after missing two games with a thigh injury, Messi equalised from the penalty spot in the 77th minute before linking up with Jordi Alba to fire Miami ahead in the 88th. Telasco Segovia sealed victory with a stoppage-time goal as Miami advanced to their second straight Leagues Cup final, having won the tournament in 2023 during Messi’s debut MLS season.
Inter assistant coach Javier Morales, deputising with Javier Mascherano suspended, hailed Messi’s impact:
“We are at a loss for words when it comes to Leo. He only trained two or three days, then played 90 minutes, created chances, and scored goals.”
Messi admitted he was cautious on his return:
“I prepared for this match because I knew how important it was against a tough opponent. In the first half, I felt a little scared, but in the second I loosened up more.”
Miami will now face the Seattle Sounders in Sunday’s final after goals from Pedro de la Vega and Osaze Rosario gave the Sounders a 2-0 win over LA Galaxy. Seattle held on with 10 men after Nouhou Tolo’s late red card.
Both finalists are guaranteed spots in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup, while the winner of the third-place playoff between Orlando and Galaxy will also qualify.
The match in Fort Lauderdale had started badly for Miami as Croatia’s Marco Pasalic put Orlando ahead in first-half stoppage time after a defensive error. Inter players appealed for handball, but VAR confirmed the goal.
Orlando—who had beaten Miami twice earlier this season—continued to frustrate Messi and Luis Suárez before the game’s turning point. In the 74th minute, substitute Tadeo Allende won a penalty after being tugged down by David Brekalo, who received a second yellow card. Messi calmly converted, shifting the momentum fully in Miami’s favour.
Orlando coach Oscar Pareja criticised the officiating, claiming Brekalo’s dismissal “wasn’t a yellow.” But Morales insisted the foul was clear:
“The defender grabbed Tadeo, and if he hadn’t, he probably would have scored.”
With Messi’s brace and a late clincher, Inter Miami now march into another Leagues Cup final—one step from defending their title.
