Lionel Messi Shines in Inter Miami's Leagues Cup Semifinal Victory

Messi's Impactful Comeback

Lionel Messi made an electrifying return to the pitch for Inter Miami, showcasing once again why he is regarded as one of football's most reliable players. After sitting out two matches, the Argentine superstar played a pivotal role in Inter Miami's 3-1 comeback victory against Orlando City in the Leagues Cup semifinal, netting two goals and steering his team towards another final.

Orlando City Takes Early Lead

In the first half, Inter Miami struggled to find their rhythm, with Orlando City dominating the game and creating most of the scoring chances. Their efforts culminated just before halftime when Croatian midfielder Marco Pasalic found the net, giving Orlando a well-deserved 1-0 lead. As the halftime whistle blew, Miami was left pondering their performance.

Messi Equalizes with Composed Penalty

The second half saw Miami come out with renewed vigor, driven by a sense of urgency. Their persistence paid off when Luis Suárez was fouled in the box by David Brekalo, who received a second yellow card and was sent off. Messi stepped up to take the penalty, coolly converting it to level the score.

Dramatic Finish: Messi and Alba's Connection

As the match seemed destined for extra time, Messi delivered in the 89th minute. Combining with his former Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba, the duo executed a classic one-two play, culminating in Messi scoring the decisive goal, igniting celebrations in the stadium.

Segovia Completes the Victory

In stoppage time, Telasco Segovia added a third goal, sealing a memorable 3-1 victory and securing Inter Miami's place in the Leagues Cup final for the second consecutive year.

Chasing a Third Title with Inter Miami

Having already played a vital role in Miami's 2023 Leagues Cup win, where he scored in the final against Nashville, Messi is now aiming for his third trophy with the club. He also guided the Herons to the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the team with the best regular-season record across both MLS conferences. With another final on the horizon, Messi and Inter Miami are poised once again to claim silverware, marking his second final appearance in four years.