Lionel Messi returned from injury in heroic fashion, scoring twice to inspire Inter Miami’s comeback win over Orlando City in the Leagues Cup semifinal. The 3-1 victory not only sealed Miami’s place in Sunday’s final against the Seattle Sounders but also secured qualification for the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup.
Messi Magic Sends Inter Miami Past Orlando City
Inter Miami CF staged a dramatic comeback on Wednesday night at Chase Stadium, beating Orlando City 3-1 in the Florida Derby semifinal of the Leagues Cup 2025.
Lionel Messi, despite carrying a hamstring knock, delivered when his team needed him most. The Argentine scored a late brace — first from the penalty spot in the 77th minute and then a composed left-footed finish in the 88th — turning the match on its head. Telasco Segovia capped the victory with a stoppage-time strike.
The win avenged two heavy MLS defeats to Orlando earlier this season, where Miami had lost by a combined 7-1 scoreline. Defender Ian Fray summed it up: “They beat us 3-0 here before, and we just lost 4-1. So we had to win.”
Rodrigo De Paul and Teammates Hail Messi
After the match, Messi’s Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul was quick to praise the No. 10:
“Leo has shown once again why he’s the greatest player in the history of this sport. He’s always decisive, just as he was at the World Cup.”
Midfielder Sergio Busquets also highlighted Messi’s resilience: “I don’t know if he was 100 percent after the injury, but look at what he’s done.”
Assistant coach Javier Morales, standing in for suspended Javier Mascherano, added: “With Leo, words come up short. He trained two or three days, then played 90 minutes like that. He’s the best in history.”
Inter Miami vs Seattle Sounders: Leagues Cup 2025 Final Preview
The victory sets up a blockbuster Leagues Cup Final between Seattle Sounders and Inter Miami at Lumen Field on Sunday, August 31 (8 pm ET | MLS Season Pass, Apple TV+).
Seattle have been dominant this year, sweeping their group with nine points and eliminating the LA Galaxy 2-0 in the semifinal. Pedro de la Vega and Osaze De Rosario provided the goals as the Sounders recorded back-to-back clean sheets.
Inter Miami, meanwhile, look to defend the title they won in 2023 when Messi first arrived. With his brace against Orlando, Messi now has 12 goals in 10 Leagues Cup appearances.
The winner will lift the Leagues Cup trophy and strengthen their claim as MLS’s best side, while both finalists have already secured a place in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup.
What’s Next?
- Final: Seattle Sounders vs Inter Miami – Sunday, Aug 31, 8 pm ET (Lumen Field, live on Apple TV | MLS Season Pass)
- Third-Place Match: LA Galaxy vs Orlando City – Sunday, Aug 31, 5 pm ET
