Lionel Messi Inter Miami comeback sees the star score twice as Miami defeats Orlando 3-1 to reach the Leagues Cup final

Lionel Messi Inter Miami impact was once again undeniable as the Argentine icon returned from injury to lead Inter Miami to a thrilling 3-1 comeback win over Orlando City, securing a place in the 2025 Leagues Cup final.

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Making just his second appearance since suffering a right thigh injury earlier this month, Messi scored twice in the closing stages—first from the penalty spot in the 77th minute, then from open play in the 88th—reversing what had been a tense match in Fort Lauderdale.

“It was an important game, and I didn’t want to miss it,” Messi admitted post-match.

“The truth is, in the first half I was a bit scared, but I grew more confident after the break.”

Lionel Messi Inter Miami heroics came after Marco Pasalic had given Orlando a 1-0 lead in first-half stoppage time.

The Croatian’s left-footed strike silenced the Chase Stadium crowd, and despite Inter’s appeals for handball, VAR upheld the goal.

In the second half, momentum shifted when Orlando’s David Brekalo received a second yellow card in the 74th minute for a jersey pull on substitute Tadeo Allende inside the box.

Messi calmly converted the resulting penalty, igniting the home crowd.

Eleven minutes later, he combined beautifully with Jordi Alba to give Miami the lead, before Telasco Segovia sealed the win in injury time.

“We are at a loss for words when it comes to Leo,” said Inter assistant coach Javier Morales, who managed the team while Javier Mascherano served a suspension.

“He trained just a few days, then went out and delivered magic for 90 minutes.”

Lionel Messi Inter Miami connection continues to pay dividends as the club heads to Seattle for Sunday’s final against the Sounders, who defeated LA Galaxy 2-0 earlier on Wednesday.

Both finalists have now secured spots in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup, with the winner of the third-place playoff between Orlando and Los Angeles also qualifying.

Orlando coach Oscar Pareja expressed frustration over the officiating, particularly Brekalo’s dismissal.

“That wasn’t a yellow,” he said post-match. “It changed the game.”

But Inter’s bench disagreed. “It was clear that the defender grabbed Tadeo,” Morales countered. “He would have scored.”

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With the win, Inter Miami remains on track to defend their Leagues Cup title from 2023—Messi’s debut season in MLS—and the football world is once again reminded why his presence remains game-changing.