A Thrilling Comeback Masterpiece Built by a Red Card | OneFootball

A second-half dramatic turnaround saw Inter Miami CF register a historic 3-1 victory in the Inter Miami vs Orlando City Leagues Cup Semifinal. Thursday night's encounter at Chase Stadium was one of determination, which took Miami to the tournament final and into the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. The victory was not easy, however, as the home side had to rally behind.

The Florida Derby was fiercely fought, and the second half saw a complete change of match direction. It seems that trying to predict these types of outcomes is tricky; just think about how the live odds on most sports betting apps would have shifted massively after Orlando City's early lead, only to be completely reversed by events in the second half. For Inter Miami CF vs Orlando City SC, the revenge narrative before kickoff was eventually fulfilled in glorious fashion.

A Tale of Two Halves

In fact, Orlando City SC put on a good game plan in the first half. Their physical and disciplined defense pretty much prevented Miami's world-class attack from happening, disrupting the home team's rhythm. Rather than controlling the tempo, Miami was unable to get normal opportunities.

This disciplined strategy paid its dividends to the visitors right on the halftime break. Marco Pašali? found the back of the net in stoppage time, taking a richly deserved 1-0 lead for Orlando into the locker room. Orlando's master plan apparently looked to be running like clockwork.

The Turning Point and Miami's Resurgence

The second half, though, belonged to Inter Miami. The whole tone of the match was transformed within the 75th minute as a result of one disciplinary measure. Orlando City defender David Brekalo was given the red card for picking up his second yellow card when he fouled an opponent within the penalty area. That one moment was to be the spark for a total meltdown.

The penalty that resulted from this was calmly scored by a visiting Lionel Messi, and it was 1-1 now. Inter Miami continued to chase with unrelenting pressure, having a man advantage. Therefore, they managed to dismantle Orlando's ten-man side with clinical attacks.

Messi's Masterclass

Returning from a hamstring strain, Lionel Messi was the unquestionable savior. Although he admitted that he was not at 100%, his strategic acumen and sense of the game under duress clinched the game. His presence was everywhere, and the change points of the game say everything about his profound impact.

The game-breaking play-making demonstrates Miami's control during the second half:

To be sure, this display cemented Messi's reputation as a player who can turn a game on its head regardless of what condition he is in.

This victory is more than a derby win for Inter Miami. It is conclusive revenge for two thrashings at the hands of Orlando in the opening half of the year. The outcome of the Inter Miami CF vs Orlando City SC semifinal also has significant implications for the rest of the season.

Inter Miami, on the other hand, moves on to the Leagues Cup Final with the Seattle Sounders FC. They have also secured a much-coveted spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. Orlando City will, meanwhile, face the LA Galaxy in the Third-Place Match, winning which would also see them qualify for the continental competition.