Former Barcelona playmaker Lionel Messi, on Wednesday, 27 August, put on a stunning performance once more, which helped propel American Professional Soccer Club side Inter Miami CF into the Leagues Cup final. The opening moments at the Chase Stadium were wavering and analytic for both teams. Pareja started his usual lineup with Pedro Gallese in goal and Brekalo, Robin Jansson, Rodrigo Schlegel, and Edward Freeman on the back line.
Miami CF cemented their spot in the final with a 3-1 victory over contenders Orlando City SC. This victory also secured a spot in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup. The Spanish international Messi scored a brace, while midfielder Telasco Segovia scored another to seal Miami’s superb comeback.
Inter Miami midfielder Busquets made history as the fifth player to make 100 appearances for the club.
Goalkeeper Oscar Ustari’s quick reflexes denied a shot from Martin Ojeda inside the box in the ninth minute. This early intervention was pivotal, as it spurred Inter Miami to take charge of the game. In the 31st minute, Suarez came close to putting the home side in front with a left-footed curled shot, which just went a tad wide of the far post.
Orlando City took the lead just before halftime, in the first minute of added time, with a goal from Marco Pasalić.
Shortly after an obvious foul by Sergio Busquets on Ivan Angulo in the box was denied by referee Walter Lopez and ignored by Video Assistant Referee Armando Villarreal, Inter Miami was awarded a kick from the penalty spot 30 minutes into the second half, with defender David Brekalo being sent off. Messi was able to convert from the spot to level the scores.
In the 88th minute, Messi was able to find the back of the net with a low finish to the far post to put the home team in front. This goal was Messi’s second in this Leagues Cup 2025, setting his tally to 17 goals in nine appearances in all competitions for Inter Miami.
Segovia, who came on in the second half, put the game to bed in the first minute of added time with a fine chip past Orlando City’s goalkeeper Gallese.
Next Match for Messi and Inter Miami
For the next encounter, Inter Miami will face either LA Galaxy or Seattle Sounders in the Leagues Cup 2025 final this Sunday, August 31.
Watch Inter Miami vs Orlando City highlights here
What We Know About Lionel Messi’s Latest Hamstring Injury
