Messi Fires Inter Miami Past Orlando Into Leagues Cup Final

Lionel Messi marked his return from injury with two late goals as Inter Miami rallied to defeat Orlando City 3-1 on Wednesday, booking their spot in the Leagues Cup final.

Back after missing two matches with a thigh issue, Messi buried a penalty in the 77th minute to cancel out Marco Pasalic’s first-half strike. Eleven minutes later, he linked up with Jordi Alba to put Miami ahead before Telasco Segovia sealed the victory in stoppage time.

The win sends Miami into Sunday’s final against the Seattle Sounders, who beat reigning MLS Cup champions LA Galaxy 2-0. Both finalists are already guaranteed places in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup.

Messi admitted he approached the match cautiously after limited training.

“In the first half I felt a little scared, but in the second I loosened up,” he said.

Inter assistant coach Javier Morales praised the Argentine’s influence.

“He trained only a few days, then played 90 minutes and created situations that changed the game,” Morales said.

The turnaround was helped by Orlando going down to 10 men when defender David Brekalo received a second yellow card in the 74th minute for pulling down substitute Tadeo Allende in the box. Messi converted the penalty, and Miami never looked back.

Orlando coach Oscar Pareja criticized the officiating, insisting Brekalo’s dismissal “wasn’t a yellow.” But Miami, winners of the Leagues Cup in 2023 during Messi’s first MLS season, are back in the final and chasing a second title.