Messi Leads Inter Miami Past Orlando to Reach Leagues Cup Final
Leo Messi Celebrating his brace against Orlando City @intermiamifc
Final Score: Inter Miami 3 – 1 Orlando City
Competition: Leagues Cup Semifinals 2025
Venue: Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, FL
First Half: Orlando Strikes Before the Break
The opening half was tense, with both teams cautious in possession but Orlando looking more dangerous in transition. Right before halftime, the visitors stunned the home crowd when Marco Pašalić smashed home a powerful finish to give Orlando City a 1–0 lead. Miami went into the break trailing and needing a response.
Goalkeeper Ustari keeping composure after being down early. @intermiamifc
Second Half: Miami Finds a Lifeline
The game shifted in the 77th minute when Orlando defender David Brekalo picked up a second yellow card, reducing the Lions to ten men. On the same play, Miami earned a penalty kick. Lionel Messi, making his return from injury, stepped up confidently and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to level the match at 1–1.
Messi Scores the PK to Level it 1-1 @intermiamifc
Messi Magic Turns the Tide
With the momentum swinging, Messi delivered again in the 88th minute. After combining neatly with Jordi Alba, the Argentine curled home a brilliant strike to put Miami ahead 2–1. The goal electrified the crowd and left Orlando chasing the game with little time left.
Segovia Seals It Late
As Orlando pushed forward desperately, Miami struck one more time. In stoppage time, substitute Telasco Segovia broke free and chipped the ball over the goalkeeper to make it 3–1, securing Miami’s place in the final.
Jordi Alba Crossing a dangerous ball into the area. @intermiamifc
Key Players & Stats
Lionel Messi: Two goals, including the decisive winner, in his return to action.
Telasco Segovia: Came off the bench to add the insurance goal in stoppage time.
Possession: Miami 55% – Orlando 45%
Shots: Miami 14 – Orlando 11
What It Means
For Inter Miami, the win not only sends them into the Leagues Cup Final on August 31 but also clinches a spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. The victory was especially sweet, as Miami had lost both regular-season meetings against Orlando earlier this year.
Orlando City, meanwhile, will still have a chance to secure Champions Cup qualification when they play in the tournament’s third-place match.
Inter Miami FC Starting XI vs Orlando City FC @intermiamifc
Final Word
Messi’s late heroics once again highlighted his ability to change games on the biggest stage. With the Argentine back to full strength and Miami finding their rhythm at the right time, the Herons look primed to chase their second Leagues Cup title in just three years.
