Messi’s Double Fires Inter Miami into Leagues Cup Final
Under the early morning lights at Chase Stadium, Inter Miami overturned an early deficit to beat Orlando City 3-1 and book their place in the Leagues Cup final. The visitors struck first in first-half stoppage time, when Marco Pasalic unleashed a precise drive from 18 yards to give Orlando the lead.
Miami’s response gathered pace after the break. In the 76th minute, a controversial foul inside the box saw Orlando’s Josip Brekalo shown a second yellow card, reducing the visitors to ten men. Lionel Messi, back from a hamstring injury and in imperious form, buried the resulting penalty to level the score. Eleven minutes later, he struck again from open play, putting Miami ahead to the delight of the home crowd. Telasco Segovia sealed the win in the final moments with a composed finish.
The Herons controlled 57 percent of possession and looked sharper as the match wore on, with Luis Suárez and Jordi Alba both creating chances. Orlando, who had beaten Miami twice in league play earlier this season, struggled to cope after the sending-off and failed to mount a late comeback.
Miami will now face the winner of LA Galaxy vs. Seattle Sounders in the final, with Messi chasing yet another trophy in his glittering career. The victory also secures Miami a spot in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup, adding extra significance to a night when their captain once again proved decisive.
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