Inter Miami superstar, Lionel Messi scored a brace on his return from injury, as the Herons came from behind to defeat Orlando City 3-1 on Wednesday night at Chase Stadium and book a place in the 2025 Leagues Cup final.
Messi shook off lingering concerns over a muscle injury in his right leg to deliver another masterclass, combining with longtime teammate Jordi Alba for a late winner before Telasco Segovia sealed the victory.
The tense semifinal at Chase Stadium saw Orlando City draw first blood in the 43rd minute. Marco Pašalić put the visitors ahead after coolly slotting past Miami goalkeeper, Drake Callender, with the goal standing following a VAR review for a potential handball in the buildup.
The Herons, who had been beaten 4-1 by Orlando in their last meeting on August 11, went into halftime trailing, but they would rally in emphatic fashion.
Lionel Messi Turns the Tide After Pašalić Opener
Orlando City struck first through Marco Pašalić just before halftime, a goal that stood after a VAR review for a possible handball.
But Messi responded in the 77th minute, confidently slotting home a penalty after Tadeo Allende was fouled in the box.
Eleven minutes later, Messi conjured more magic, finishing off a slick one-two with Alba to put Inter Miami in front.
Miami capped off the victory in stoppage time. Venezuelan midfielder Telasco Segovia started and finished a slick move, exchanging passes with Luis Suárez before slotting home Miami’s third goal to send the home crowd into raptures.
“We are at a loss for words when it comes to discussing Leo,” said Inter Miami assistant coach Javier Morales, who took charge while head coach Javier Mascherano served a suspension.
“He trained only two or three days and then (Wednesday) he played 90 minutes and the way he played, created situations, scoring goals.”
“There is nothing more to say. For us, and for the fans, it’s a privilege to have him on our team.”
“We are always excited to win and now we have an opportunity to take home a trophy.”
Inter Miami will now face Seattle Sounders in Sunday’s final after they defeated LA Galaxy 2-0 in the other semifinal.
Fiery Derby: Nine Yellow Cards, One Red
The Florida derby lived up to its reputation for intensity, with nine yellow cards shown and Orlando’s David Brekalo sent off in the second half.
Orlando coach Óscar Pareja blasted the officiating:
“Brekalo’s (first) yellow card was unbelievable. He doesn’t even touch the player [Rodrigo De Paul]”.
“So this affects a team and affects the players to where the game becomes very difficult.”
Lionel Messi Admits ‘Playing With Fear’ After Injury Return
Messi had been sidelined after limping off just 11 minutes into Miami’s Leagues Cup clash with Necaxa on August 2.
He made a brief 45-minute cameo against LA Galaxy on August 16, recording a goal and assist, but missed the quarterfinal against Tigres UANL as Miami cautiously managed his recovery.
Speaking post-match, Messi admitted he played cautiously early on after his recent injury troubles:
“I wanted to be here. When I came back against [LA] Galaxy [on August 17] I felt some discomfort, I didn’t feel comfortable, but I wanted to play the game,” Messi said.
“It was really important to be here because it’s a difficult opponent, they’d beaten us in the two games we played against them this year.”
“In the first half I was playing with a bit of fear, but after that I felt a bit [more] free.”
Orlando City had previously beaten Miami 4-1 on August 11 when Messi was unavailable.
Pre-Match Injury Concerns and Selection Drama
Both Messi and Alba had been injury doubts heading into the semifinal, with Morales revealing that decisions on their fitness were left until matchday:
“Jordi and Leo trained with us, they completed training. We’ll see how they feel as the day progresses, and tomorrow we’ll make a decision on what the final decision is for the match.”
“Luckily they trained and were able to complete training, which is a positive thing,” Morales said on Tuesday.
“Leo trained, completed training, which is super positive. We hope he’s in the squad, and tomorrow we’ll make a decision on how he’s feeling. I imagine he’ll be in the squad at least.”
Inter Miami’s Pursuit of Glory
With the win, Inter Miami booked their spot in Sunday’s Leagues Cup final against the Seattle Sounders, who defeated LA Galaxy 2-0 in Wednesday’s other semifinal.
This will be Miami’s second Leagues Cup final in two years and will have the opportunity to lift the trophy for the second time in three yeras, having won the trophy in 2023 before suffering a Round of 16 exit in 2024.
With Messi now fit, the Herons are eyeing their third major piece of silverware under Mascherano.
Midfield legend Sergio Busquets is also closing in on a milestone, expected to make his 100th appearance for Miami in the coming weeks.
Messi’s 2025 Season in Numbers
The 2025 season is Messi’s final contracted year with Miami, though the club expects him to extend the 38-year-old’s deal beyond the 2026 World Cup.
His performances have been historic:
Inter Miami travel to Seattle Sounders on Sunday for the Leagues Cup final, a chance for Messi and Miami to add yet another chapter to their growing legacy.
