Fort Lauderdale, August 28, 2025 – On an electrifying night at Chase Stadium, Lionel Messi delivered a signature late-game performance to carry Inter Miami past Orlando City with a stirring 3-1 comeback in the Leagues Cup semi-final. With two goals and an assist in the final quarter-hour, Messi turned the tide, silencing the crowd at exactly the right moment and launching his team into the final.
Opening Exchanges and a Surprise Lead
Orlando City struck first just before halftime, as Marco Pašalić capitalized on a flowing move orchestrated by César Araújo, Martín Ojeda, and Luis Muriel. Pašalić’s finish, arriving via a rebound off a deflected Clearance, made it 1-0 in stoppage time of the first half. For a moment, it seemed that Orlando might ride that momentum through to the final.
Turning Point: Red Card and Penalty Drama
Everything changed in the 74th minute when David Brekalo hauled down Tadeo Allende in the box, earning a rare second yellow card. Walter López, the referee, pointed to the spot, and despite a strong dive from Pedro Gallese, Messi calmly slotted home the penalty in the 77th minute to restore parity.
Messi’s Magic Seals the Deal
Eleven minutes later, Messi struck again—this time from open play. Teaming up with old Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba, they carved open Orlando’s reshuffled defense with a slick move, finishing skillfully into the bottom right corner. Messi wasn’t done: in stoppage time, he turned provider—setting up Telasco Segovia, who coolly wrapped up Miami’s 3-1 victory.
With the win, Inter Miami stood just one match away from hoisting the Leagues Cup for a second time in three years, and punched their ticket to the final where they’ll face Seattle Sounders—who beat LA Galaxy earlier in the night.
Standout Performers
- Lionel Messi: A vintage performance—clinical, composed, and unrelenting in the final moments.
- Tadeo Allende: Earned the pivotal penalty and created havoc down the flank.
- Jordi Alba: A creative spark who linked fluently with Messi to unlock a stubborn defense.
- Martín Ojeda, César Araújo, and Luis Muriel: Superb pre-assist play that set up Orlando’s opener.
Broader Significance
This comeback highlights Messi’s unwavering impact in pressure moments—and reaffirms why Inter Miami have become one of the most compelling storylines in North American football. Their resilience reflects not only its superstar’s brilliance, but a collective belief deep within the squad.
With victory, Miami will now battle Seattle Sounders in the final—where the winner will spread through to the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 in 2026.
