Lionel Messi leads Inter Miami to the League Cup final after defeating Orlando City

With a 3-1 victory over Orlando City in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, Lionel Messi once again demonstrated his decisiveness as Inter Miami advanced to the Leagues Cup final. The Herons made it to their second final in three years thanks to a devastating late spell in which the Argentine forward scored twice and assisted.

Orlando, who had already defeated Miami twice this season in Major League Soccer, got off to a strong start and took the lead shortly before halftime. Marco Pasalic took advantage of a defensive error in the first half’s stoppage time. After being briefly dispossessed by Maximiliano Falcon, the ball ricocheted kindly off his chest and he lashed a half-volley beyond Oscar Ustari to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage.

After the restart, Miami put pressure on but was unable to create a breakthrough until the 74th minute. Pedro Gallese parried a header that Tadeo Allende had directed on target after getting in behind David Brekalo. Referee Walter Lopez, however, determined that Brekalo had dragged Allende back during the match. Orlando had ten men after the defender was dismissed after receiving a second yellow card.

Messi grabbed the opportunity. He coolly fired low to the right from the subsequent penalty in the 77th minute. Miami was level after Gallese made the proper dive but was unable to keep it out. The hosts were energized by the equalizer and saw it as a chance to punish their weak opponents.

Messi and Jordi Alba rekindled their Barcelona relationship with a beautiful combination in the 88th minute. Orlando’s defense was opened by a quick pass exchange, and Messi completed the comeback with a clean finish into the bottom corner.

Not finished was the 37-year-old. He connected with Telasco Segovia in stoppage time, slipping a pass that the Venezuelan midfielder finished from close range to complete the score and ignite the Chase Stadium celebrations.

The 2023 Leagues Cup champion Miami will now travel to play the Seattle Sounders in the championship game on Sunday. Earlier in the evening, the Sounders defeated LA Galaxy 2-0, earning their spot. The victor will get straight access to the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup round of 16.