Messi bags a brace, Inter Miami beat Orlando to reach Leagues Cup final | OneFootball

Inter Miami, with Lionel Messi as the protagonist, reached the final of the Leagues Cup 2025 after defeating Orlando City 3-1 in a match held at the Chase Stadium in Miami. A double from the Argentine forward, the first from a penalty, plus another from Telasco Segovia were decisive in turning the game around after a goal from Mario Pašalić.

The start of the match reflected the characteristic intensity of these regional classics. Orlando City, led by Colombian Oscar Pareja, took the lead shortly before the end of the first half after a play in which Muriel assisted Mario Pašalić, who scored with a high shot after Maximiliano Falcón's clearance. The goal was reviewed by VAR, which confirmed there was no handball in the previous action.

The reaction of the team led by Javier Mascherano was evident at the start of the second half. A penalty on Tadeo Allende allowed Lionel Messi to equalize the score with a cross shot. “Our captain doesn't miss from the penalty spot,” the club celebrated on social media, highlighting the Argentine's precision against goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.

Moments later, Messi appeared again to finish a collective play with Jordi Alba on the left wing. The Rosario native scored at the far post, consolidating the comeback, to the delight of the fans present.

Seconds later, Venezuelan Segovia played a one-two with Lucho Suárez and scored over the goalkeeper.

In this way, Inter Miami reached its second final in the last three editions and will seek to repeat the title won in 2023. Their opponent will come from the winner of the match between Los Angeles Galaxy and Seattle Sounders, who will play in the last slot.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.