Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba, former FC Barcelona teammates, rekindled their sensational connection on the pitch, leading Inter Miami to a Leagues Cup final. In a display of soccer brilliance reminiscent of their Barcelona days, Messi and Alba linked up for a pivotal goal that has fans buzzing with nostalgia and excitement.
Inter Miami secured their place in the Leagues Cup 2025 final with a thrilling 3-1 victory over their Florida Derby rivals, Orlando City. The match saw Messi returning from a hamstring injury to score twice in the second half, leading a remarkable comeback. Telasco Segovia sealed the victory with a late goal.
The decisive moment arrived in the 88th minute, with the score tied at 1-1. Messi, positioned inside the 18-yard box, exchanged a signature pass with Alba, who had made a penetrating run from the left flank. The return pass from Alba was perfectly weighted, allowing Messi to slot the ball past Orlando City's goalkeeper, Pedro Gallese. This goal not only showcased their intuitive understanding but also propelled Inter Miami into the lead.
The goal sparked celebrations among Inter Miami fans and highlighted the enduring chemistry between Messi and Alba. Their connection, honed over years of playing together at Barcelona, has quickly become a key element of Inter Miami's attack. The duo's ability to anticipate each other's movements and execute plays with precision has added a new dimension to the team's offensive capabilities.
Messi's performance was particularly noteworthy as he had recently recovered from an injury. Despite limited training, he played the entire match, demonstrating his commitment and impact on the team. His two goals against Orlando City were his first of the 2025 Leagues Cup campaign.
The victory not only sends Inter Miami to the Leagues Cup final against Seattle Sounders FC but also secures their spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. The team's success in the Leagues Cup marks a significant turnaround since Messi, Alba, and Sergio Busquets joined the team.
The assistant coach, Javier Morales, acknowledged Messi's impact stating that Messi's performance created goal-scoring opportunities. Messi himself expressed his determination to play in the important match, recognizing the challenge posed by Orlando City.
The goal is a testament to the enduring magic of Messi and Alba's partnership, proving that their connection remains as potent as ever. As Inter Miami progresses to the Leagues Cup final, fans eagerly anticipate more moments of brilliance from this dynamic duo.
