Inter Miami came from behind in the semi-final to reach the final, thanks to a brilliant performance by the Argentine maestro Lionel Messi.
By the 75th minute, Miami was trailing 1-0. Jordi Alba’s cross found Tadeo Ayende, who headed the ball, only for the goalkeeper to save it. Just as disappointment settled in, the roar of the crowd erupted—the referee had awarded a penalty!
The referee ruled that David Breakalo had fouled Ayende during the header. Breakalo received a second yellow card and was sent off, giving Messi the chance to level from the spot. Later, Messi scored a stunning second goal to put Miami ahead, and he also contributed to the team’s third goal.
Although Messi had been subdued for much of the match while recovering from injury, he came alive in the final moments. Inter Miami, down at halftime on their home turf, eventually defeated Orlando City 3-1 to secure a spot in the final of the Leagues Cup.
This marks Miami’s second final in the tournament, which features clubs from the United States and Mexico. The champion earns a direct spot in next year’s CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16.
Looking ahead to the semi-final, Miami coach Javier Mascherano had opted not to risk playing Messi in the previous MLS match. The team’s star returned the faith with a brilliant display.
In the MLS regular season, Miami had lost twice to Orlando, conceding seven goals in total. Orlando started strong again, with Martin Ojeda taking a powerful shot in the 9th minute from the left side of the box, which Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari brilliantly saved.
Miami’s first clear chance came in the 31st minute when Luis Suarez cut inside after receiving a pass from Rodrigo De Paul, but his shot went just wide. By the end of the first half, with added time of one minute, Marco Pasalic scored to give Orlando the lead.
In the 51st minute, Suarez missed a strong shot after receiving another Alba pass, with the goalkeeper easily saving.
Then came the crucial 75th minute. During Alba’s cross, Ayende went down in the box. The referee awarded a penalty, sending Breakalo off the field, and Messi converted to equalize—his first goal in the Leagues Cup.
With Orlando reduced to 10 men, Miami pressed hard. In the 88th minute, Messi scored again, finishing a one-two with Alba inside the box to give Miami the lead.
In the first minute of added time, Miami sealed the win with another goal. De Paul passed to Telles Segovia, who combined with Suarez in a one-two before slotting past the Orlando goalkeeper.
In Sunday’s final, Inter Miami will face Seattle Sounders, who had beaten LA Galaxy on the same day.
