Lionel Messi double sends Inter Miami to Leagues Cup final with 3-1 win over Orlando City

Lionel Messi marked his return in style, scoring twice as Inter Miami defeated Orlando City 3-1 on Wednesday night to secure a place in the Leagues Cup final. Messi, playing for only the second time in two weeks following a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury, made the decisive impact in a heated contest that featured nine yellow cards and a red for Orlando defender David Brekalo. Miami will now face the winner of LA Galaxy versus Seattle Sounders in Sunday’s title clash.


Orlando struck first just before halftime when Marco Pasalic found the net, with the goal standing after a VAR check for handball. Miami responded late in the second half, beginning with Messi’s equaliser in the 77th minute from the penalty spot after Tadeo Allende was brought down in the area.


The Argentine star then put Miami ahead in the 88th, combining neatly with former Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba before finishing clinically. Moments later, Miami sealed victory in similar fashion. Telasco Segovia linked with Luis Suarez before slotting home to cap a commanding late surge.

The result extended Miami’s strong run in the competition and underlined Messi’s influence since his arrival, even after a recent injury scare. For Orlando, who had matched their rivals stride for stride for much of the night, the dismissal of Brekalo compounded a frustrating end.

Miami now turn its focus to Sunday’s final, where Messi and company will look to lift another trophy on their rapid rise in North American soccer.