Inter Miami Win Leagues Cup Semifinal in Messi(y) Fashion | OneFootball

Inter Miami 3 – 1 Orlando City

When you look back at this game, the deciding factor wasn’t Lionel Messi. Or the abysmal non-calls by the referee on what were clearly penalties. Or even THAT questionable 73rd minute penalty call that gave Inter Miami the goal AND a player advantage after David Brekalo was shown a second yellow.

No, it was Iván Angulo’s shot off the breakaway that pulled wide right in the 22nd minute. That was the moment Orlando City lost this game.

Had Angulo buried that one on one against Oscar Ustari, Miami would’ve gone into the locker room down two. I believe that teams should seize victory when given the opportunity; Orlando failed miserably in this regard. They were the better team in the first forty-five, but a one goal lead isn’t enough when you’re facing Miami and he-who-shall-not-named.

The Messi Factor

Now let’s talk about Messi. Clutch goals are the GOATs specialty, and yet again he scored another brace in a critical match. Messi has taken zero penalty kicks in league play, but he stepped up to casually flick the ball past Gallese (who guessed the correct side). To cap that off, he buried the game winner with a trademark give-and-go combination with Jordi Alba in the 88th minute. Death, taxes, and a Lionel Messi brace.

The Official Factor

One of MANY xeets bitter over Orlando’s loss. Source: X.

Orlando supporters are up in arms over the officiating, and I believe they have a point. Walter López made some highly questionable decisions. On the pivotal call in the 73rd, he was very quick with the second yellow that sent Brekalo off. VAR did not choose to review the call, which I find surprising given its magnitude. López (and VAR) also chose to ignore a clear takedown of Angulo by Sergio Busquets. And there was a question around Gallese punching a ball clear and catching a player in the action. I’m certainly not going to choose one side over another, but whenever referee actions get this much scrutiny, something is amiss. The best referee is the one who does not interfere in the outcome of a game. López fell short of this by a mile.

But In the End…

Lots of folks got what they wanted out of the Leagues Cup. Miami goes to the final, which means a big cha-ching$ for MLS and the sponsors. They also get a slot in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup. Fans love Messi, so they’ll get to see him (possibly) repeat his magic over Seattle Sounders on Sept. 1.

And let’s not forget that Orlando City still have something to play for. They take on LA Galaxy on Sunday, August 31st. The winner of this runners-up match also gets a Champions Cup ticket.