Inter Miami triumphed over Orlando City with a decisive 3-1 victory on Wednesday night, securing their place in the Leagues Cup final. The match, held at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, showcased the return of Lionel Messi, who scored two goals in a thrilling performance after a recent hamstring injury setback.
Miami’s path to the final will now see them face the winner of the upcoming match between LA Galaxy and Seattle Sounders, scheduled for Sunday. This victory marks an important milestone for Miami, which previously won the Leagues Cup in 2022.
The game started with an unexpected turn when Marco Pašalić opened the scoring for Orlando City just before halftime, despite a VAR review for a potential handball. The first half ended with Orlando leading 1-0, putting pressure on Miami to respond in the second half.
Messi’s influence was felt strongly after the break. In the 77th minute, he equalized for Miami by converting a penalty kick after Tadeo Allende was fouled in the box. This goal not only leveled the score but also energized the crowd, shifting the momentum in Miami’s favor.
As the match approached its conclusion, Messi struck again in the 88th minute. He combined brilliantly with Jordi Alba, showcasing their chemistry to put Miami ahead 2-1. The final goal came shortly after when Telasco Segovia received the ball from Luis Suárez, capping off an impressive team effort to secure the victory.
The match was intense, illustrated by a total of nine yellow cards and one red card issued to Orlando City defender David Brekalo for a foul late in the game. Miami’s performance not only highlights Messi’s return to form but also emphasizes the team’s resilience and determination as they advance further in the tournament.
With Messi leading the charge, Inter Miami is poised for an exciting final, aiming to add another trophy to their collection and continue their remarkable journey in the Leagues Cup.
