Lionel Messi orchestrated a stunning comeback for Inter Miami, propelling them into the Leagues Cup final with a 3-1 victory over their Florida rivals, Orlando City. In a match that crackled with intensity, Messi's two goals in the final 15 minutes turned the tide, securing not only a place in the final against Seattle Sounders but also a spot in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup.
The game, held at Chase Stadium, saw Inter Miami facing a determined Orlando City side who had previously dominated their encounters. Orlando took the lead in the first-half stoppage time through a powerful strike from Marco Pašalić. Inter Miami struggled to find a breakthrough, with Orlando's defense holding firm.
The turning point arrived in the 74th minute when Tadeo Allende drew a foul inside the box, leading to David Brekalo's second yellow card and a subsequent penalty. Messi stepped up and calmly converted the penalty in the 77th minute, leveling the score and shifting the momentum.
With the game tied 1-1, Messi then combined with Jordi Alba in the 88th minute, showcasing their telepathic connection honed during their time at Barcelona. Messi slotted the ball past the Orlando goalkeeper, sending the Chase Stadium crowd into a frenzy and giving Inter Miami the lead. Telasco Segovia then sealed the victory in added time, capitalizing on a pass from Luis Suárez to make it 3-1.
Inter Miami assistant coach Javier Morales, who was in charge with Javier Mascherano suspended, was full of praise for Messi. "We are at a loss for words when it comes to discussing Leo," Morales said. "He trained only two or three days, and then he played 90 minutes, and the way he played created situations, scoring goals". Messi himself admitted to feeling some apprehension after returning from a right thigh injury that had sidelined him for two matches. "I prepared to be in this match because I knew how important it was, against a very tough opponent who had beaten us in both games we faced this year," Messi stated. "The truth is, in the first half I felt a little scared, but in the second I loosened up a bit more".
The victory marks Inter Miami's return to the Leagues Cup final, a competition they won in 2023 during Messi's first season with the club. This win also guarantees Inter Miami a spot in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup. The final will be held on August 31 against Seattle Sounders. The Sounders secured their place by defeating the LA Galaxy 2-0.
