Lionel Messi Scores Twice, Inter Miami Beats Orlando 3-1/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Lionel Messi scored two goals to lead Inter Miami past Orlando City 3-1 in the Leagues Cup semifinals. Miami will face the Seattle Sounders in Sunday’s final. Nine yellow cards and one red punctuated the heated Florida rivalry.
Inter Miami vs. Orlando City Quick Looks
- Messi scores twice in 3-1 Inter Miami victory
- Inter Miami advances to Leagues Cup final vs. Seattle
- Messi converts penalty in 77th minute, scores again in 88th
- Marco Pašalić scored Orlando’s only goal before halftime
- Luis Suárez and Telasco Segovia connected for third Miami goal
- Orlando’s David Brekalo sent off with red card in second half
- Nine yellow cards issued in intense Florida clash
- Miami won the 2022 edition of the Leagues Cup
- Head coach Mascherano served red-card suspension during match
- Assistant coach Javier Morales led team from sidelines
Deep Look: Messi’s Brilliance Sends Inter Miami to Leagues Cup Final With 3-1 Win Over Orlando
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — August 28, 2025 — Lionel Messi proved once again why he remains one of the most decisive players in world football, scoring two late goals to power Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over Orlando City on Wednesday night. The win sends Miami to the Leagues Cup final, where they’ll face the Seattle Sounders, who defeated the LA Galaxy 2-0 in the other semifinal.
Messi, making his second appearance in two weeks after returning from a hamstring injury, delivered yet another match-winning performance.
The match began with a moment of controversy. Orlando took a 1-0 lead just before halftime when Marco Pašalić found the back of the net. His goal was initially reviewed for a potential handball but ultimately stood after a VAR check.
In the second half, the tempo intensified and so did the physical play. With nine yellow cards and a red issued, the match reflected the high stakes and fierce rivalry between the two Florida clubs.
Messi brought Miami back into the match in the 77th minute, converting a penalty kick after Tadeo Allende was brought down in the box. The goal marked a turning point in the game’s momentum.
Just 11 minutes later, Messi struck again. Linking up with longtime teammate Jordi Alba, he calmly slotted home to give Miami the lead. The goal was classic Messi—instinctive, precise, and perfectly timed.
The scoring didn’t end there. In the final moments of the match, Telasco Segovia played a clever one-two with Luis Suárez, receiving the ball back and sealing the victory with Miami’s third goal.
Assistant coach Javier Morales managed the team from the sideline as head coach Javier Mascherano served a suspension after receiving a red card earlier in the tournament. Morales praised the team’s performance and composure under pressure.
“We are always excited to win, and now we have an opportunity to take home a trophy,” Morales said following the match.
Orlando City struggled to recover after losing defender David Brekalo to a second yellow card. The team’s frustration with officiating was clear post-match.
“Brekalo’s first yellow card was unbelievable. He doesn’t even touch the player,” said Orlando head coach Óscar Pareja, referring to a challenge involving Miami midfielder Rodrigo De Paul. “It affects a team and the players when the game becomes this difficult.”
Inter Miami, the 2022 Leagues Cup champions, are now poised for another title run as they prepare to face the Seattle Sounders in the final this Sunday.
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