Lionel Messi powers Inter Miami past Orlando City to Leagues Cup final

Lionel Messi once again proved decisive as Inter Miami advanced to the Leagues Cup final with a 3-1 victory over Orlando City in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday night. The Argentine forward scored twice and provided an assist in a devastating late spell, ensuring the Herons reached their second final in three years.

Orlando, who had beaten Miami twice in Major League Soccer this season, began confidently and took the lead just before the interval. In first-half stoppage time, Marco Pasalic capitalised on a defensive lapse. After being briefly dispossessed by Maximiliano Falcon, the ball ricocheted kindly off his chest and he lashed a half-volley beyond Oscar Ustari to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage.

Miami pressed after the restart but struggled to find a breakthrough until the turning point arrived in the 74th minute. Tadeo Allende got in behind David Brekalo and directed a header on target, which Pedro Gallese parried. However, referee Walter Lopez judged that Brekalo had pulled Allende back in the process. The defender received a second yellow card and was dismissed, leaving Orlando with 10 men.

Messi seized the moment. From the resulting penalty in the 77th minute, he coolly struck low to the right. Gallese dived the right way but was unable to keep it out, and Miami were level. The equaliser galvanised the hosts, who sensed an opportunity to punish their short-handed rivals.

In the 88th minute, Messi combined brilliantly with Jordi Alba, rekindling their Barcelona chemistry. A swift exchange of passes unlocked Orlando's defence before Messi finished neatly into the bottom corner to complete the turnaround.

The 37-year-old was not done. In stoppage time, he linked with Telasco Segovia, slipping a pass that the Venezuelan midfielder converted from close range to seal the result and spark celebrations at Chase Stadium.

Miami, winners of the 2023 Leagues Cup, will now travel to face the Seattle Sounders in Sunday's final. The Sounders earned their place with a 2-0 victory over LA Galaxy earlier in the evening. The winner will secure direct entry into the round of 16 of the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup.