Messi’s Magic Sends Inter Miami Into Leagues Cup Final After Dramatic Win Over Orlando
SME News UK. Fort Lauderdale, FL – Inter Miami are through to the Leagues Cup final after Lionel Messi once again produced a moment of brilliance, scoring twice late on to inspire a dramatic 3-1 comeback victory over Orlando City on Wednesday night.Returning from a recent hamstring setback, Messi played the full 90 minutes and delivered when it mattered most. With Miami trailing 1-0, the Argentine captain calmly converted a penalty before linking up with former Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba to fire home the go-ahead goal in the 88th minute. Telasco Segovia added a third shortly after to seal the win.Stand-in coach Javier Morales, on the touchline in place of the suspended Javier Mascherano, was full of admiration for his star forward.> “We are at a loss for words when it comes to discussing Leo,” Morales said. “He trained only two or three days and then came in, played the full 90 minutes, created chances, scored goals. For us and for the fans, it’s a privilege to have him on our team.”Messi, who joined Inter Miami in 2023, has already guided David Beckham’s club to two major trophies—the Leagues Cup in 2023 and the Supporters’ Shield in 2024. Now, he will have the chance to compete for his 47th career title when Miami face Seattle Sounders in Sunday’s final. The Sounders advanced with a 2-0 victory over LA Galaxy in the other semi-final.For Inter Miami, it is another historic milestone in their rapid rise, while for Messi, it is yet another chapter in a career defined by clutch performances on the biggest stages.
