Messi Double Lifts Inter Miami Into Leagues Cup Final

Lionel Messi returned from injury in spectacular fashion, scoring twice as Inter Miami came from behind to defeat Orlando City 3-1 and book their place in the Leagues Cup final on Wednesday night.

The Argentine star, who had missed Miami’s last two games with a thigh problem, equalised from the penalty spot in the 77th minute before linking up with Jordi Alba to put Miami ahead with two minutes left on the clock. Telasco Segovia sealed the victory in stoppage time.

It was a familiar stage for Inter, who lifted the trophy in 2023 during Messi’s debut season in Major League Soccer.

Assistant coach Javier Morales, who stood in for the suspended Javier Mascherano, admitted even he was surprised at Messi’s performance after limited training.

“He trained only two or three days and then played the full 90 minutes. The way he influenced the game and scored both goals shows once again who he is,” Morales said.

Messi confessed he had some nerves on his return.

“In the first half I was a little worried, but in the second half I relaxed more,” he told reporters. “I wanted to be here because of how important this game was, especially against a team that had beaten us twice this year.”

Seattle await in the final

Miami will now travel to Seattle for Sunday’s final after the Sounders knocked out MLS Cup holders LA Galaxy with a 2-0 victory in California. Early goals from Pedro de la Vega and Osaze Rosario proved enough, despite Seattle finishing with 10 men after Nouhou Tolo’s late red card.

Both finalists are guaranteed places in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup. The third CONCACAF ticket will go to the winner of the playoff between Orlando and Los Angeles.

How the game unfolded

Orlando had threatened an upset when Marco Pasalic fired them ahead in first-half stoppage time, pouncing on a deflection inside the box. Despite Miami’s protests for handball, VAR upheld the goal.

Orlando kept Inter frustrated until the 59th minute, when they were denied a penalty shout after Ivan Angulo was bundled over by Sergio Busquets. Moments later, the tide began to turn.

Substitute Tadeo Allende won a spot kick after being tugged down by David Brekalo, who received a second yellow card for the challenge. Messi dispatched the penalty with trademark composure, then struck again in the 88th minute to swing the contest Miami’s way.

Orlando coach Oscar Pareja fumed over the officiating, insisting Brekalo’s dismissal was harsh. Morales, however, maintained the foul was clear.

Miami’s comeback sparked wild celebrations at Chase Stadium, with Messi once again the difference-maker as the defending champions marched into another Leagues Cup final.