FORT LAUDERDALE — Lionel Messi returned from injury in spectacular fashion scoring a late brace as Inter Miami defeated Orlando City 3-1 to book their place in the 2025 Leagues Cup final.
After missing two matches with a thigh problem, the Argentine star converted a penalty in the 77th minute to level the score at 1-1 before combining with Jordi Alba to net a decisive second in the 88th. Telasco Segovia added a third in stoppage time sealing Miami’s comeback at Chase Stadium.
Key Match Facts
- Final Score: Inter Miami 3–1 Orlando City
- Messi Goals: 77’ (penalty), 88’
- Segovia Goal: 90+3’
- Orlando Goal: Marco Pasalic 45+1’
- Venue: Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale
- Next Opponent: Los Angeles Galaxy or Seattle Sounders (final on Sunday)
Orlando Strikes First Before Miami’s Response
The first half ended in frustration for Miami as Croatia’s Marco Pasalic put Orlando ahead in added time. A deflected clearance fell kindly to him and his left-footed strike beat Drake Callender. Inter players protested for handball but VAR confirmed the goal.
Orlando, who had dominated Miami in two earlier meetings this season held their lead well into the second half. Miami struggled to break through with Luis Suárez and Messi both denied by goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.
Penalty and Red Card
Momentum shifted dramatically in the 74th minute when substitute Tadeo Allende was pulled down in the box by Orlando defender David Brekalo. The foul earned Brekalo a second yellow card and dismissal leaving Orlando with 10 men.
Messi calmly stepped up to the penalty spot and fired low into the right corner past Gallese sparking celebrations across the stadium. Just 11 minutes later, Messi struck again finishing a slick move with Jordi Alba to complete the turnaround.
Segovia Seals Victory
With Orlando pushing forward in desperation, Telasco Segovia punished them in stoppage time slotting home Miami’s third goal to confirm their return to the Leagues Cup final which they also won in 2023, Messi’s debut season in Major League Soccer.
What is Next
Inter Miami will face either Los Angeles Galaxy or Seattle Sounders in Sunday’s final. Orlando will contest the third-place playoff with the top three finishers earning spots in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Despite Orlando’s earlier dominance in the rivalry winning twice this year by an aggregate 7-1—Messi’s brilliance proved decisive when it mattered most.
“Messi is the difference-maker. Even with limited fitness, he delivered when Miami needed him most,” said a former MLS analyst on Apple TV’s post-match coverage.
