Lionel Messi returned from injury in spectacular fashion, scoring twice late as Inter Miami rallied past Orlando City 3-1 on Wednesday to book a place in the Leagues Cup final.
Back after missing two games with a thigh injury, Messi equalized from the penalty spot in the 77th minute before linking with Jordi Alba to fire Miami ahead in the 88th. Telasco Segovia sealed the victory in stoppage time, sending Miami back to the final of the cross-border tournament they won in 2023, Messi’s debut season in MLS.
“We are at a loss for words when it comes to discussing Leo,” said assistant coach Javier Morales, who stood in on the touchline with Javier Mascherano suspended. “He trained only two or three days and then played 90 minutes, creating situations and scoring goals.”
Messi admitted to feeling tentative in the opening half.
“In the first half I felt a little scared,” he said. “But in the second I loosened up. I knew how important this match was against a very tough opponent who had beaten us twice this year.”
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Orlando Strike First
Orlando had stunned the home crowd at Chase Stadium when Marco Pasalic struck in first-half stoppage time, pouncing after Maximiliano Falcon’s clearance deflected back into his path. VAR upheld the goal despite Miami’s protests for handball.
The visitors frustrated Miami after the break, with Luis Suárez denied by goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and Messi smothered by defenders in the box. But momentum turned in the 74th minute when substitute Tadeo Allende drew a foul from David Brekalo, whose tug on the winger’s jersey earned him a second yellow card.
Messi converted the ensuing penalty, sparking Miami’s late surge. Orlando coach Oscar Pareja fumed at the decision, insisting “it wasn’t a yellow.” Morales disagreed:
“It was clear the defender grabbed Tadeo. He could have scored if not held.”
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Seattle Await in Final
Miami will face the Seattle Sounders in Sunday’s final after the MLS side beat reigning champions Los Angeles Galaxy 2-0 in California. Early and second-half goals from Pedro de la Vega and Osaze Rosario sealed victory, despite Nouhou Tolo’s 83rd-minute red card.
Both finalists are guaranteed a place in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup, while the winner of the third-place playoff between Orlando and Los Angeles will claim the final berth.