After a 25-day absence owing to injury, Lionel Messi made his return to action with Inter Miami in the best possible way, scoring a brace to lead his team to a 3-1 victory over Orlando City in the semifinals of the 2025 Leagues Cup.
With the win, Inter Miami became the first club to book a place in the tournament’s grand final.
Orlando, coached by Óscar Pareja, shocked the hosts late in the first half with a goal from Marco Pasalic, confirmed after a VAR review.
Earlier, Iván Angulo had squandered a clear chance, while goalkeeper Óscar Ustari was unable to stop the 0-1 that put pressure on the DRV PNK Stadium crowd.
After the break, Inter Miami pushed higher up the field and pinned back their opponent.
Orlando’s defense held out until a penalty on Luis Suárez led to David Brekalo being sent off with a second yellow card. Messi calmly converted from the spot to level the score.
In the closing minutes, the connection between Jordi Alba and Suárez once again proved decisive.
The Spanish full-back set up the Argentine in the 88th minute for the go-ahead goal, before Telasco Segovia sealed the comeback with a stoppage-time strike to make it 3-1.
Inter Miami on the road to the final
With this result, Inter Miami advances to the Leagues Cup final, scheduled for Sunday.
Their opponent will be determined from the matchup between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Seattle Sounders.
