By Sport Analyst
Emmanuel Afonja
Lionel Messi once again proved decisive as Inter Miami overturned a first-half deficit to defeat Orlando City 3-1 on Wednesday night, booking their place in the Leagues Cup final.
Returning from a two-game absence due to a thigh injury, Messi delivered when it mattered most. After Miami trailed 1-0 at halftime, the Argentine equalized from the penalty spot in the 77th minute before striking again in the 88th, combining neatly with Jordi Alba to send Chase Stadium into a frenzy. Telasco Segovia sealed the victory with a stoppage-time strike.
The win ensures Miami’s return to the Leagues Cup final, a tournament they won in 2023 during Messi’s debut season in Major League Soccer.
Assistant coach Javier Morales, standing in for the suspended Javier Mascherano, praised Messi’s resilience.
“He only trained for a couple of days after his injury, but he played the full 90 minutes and completely changed the game. That’s the magic of Leo,” Morales said.
Messi admitted he was cautious at first.
“In the first half I felt a bit of fear after being out injured, but in the second half I gained more confidence. We knew how difficult Orlando would be—they had already beaten us twice this year,” he revealed.
The visitors had drawn first blood when Marco Pasalic’s strike in first-half stoppage time silenced the Miami crowd. Orlando continued to frustrate their rivals until a pivotal moment in the 74th minute: substitute Tadeo Allende won a penalty after being tugged by defender David Brekalo, who was shown a second yellow card and dismissed. Messi calmly converted the spot-kick, shifting momentum firmly in Miami’s favor.
Orlando coach Oscar Pareja criticized the officiating, particularly Brekalo’s sending off, which he described as harsh. Miami, however, argued the foul was clear.
In the other semifinal, the Seattle Sounders defeated Los Angeles Galaxy 2-0, setting up Sunday’s showdown with Miami at Lumen Field. Both finalists are guaranteed a place in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup, with the third-place playoff also carrying qualification stakes.
