‘Loss for words' – How Lionel Messi magic steered Inter Miami into Leagues Cup final after late heroics against Orlando
Updated 28/08/2025 at 13:26 GMT+1
Inter Miami have reached the Leagues Cup final thanks to the heroics of Lionel Messi, who scored twice in the late stages to overturn a 1-0 deficit. Messi converted a penalty before snatching the winner two minutes before time, as Miami sealed a 3-1 win over Orlando City. "We are at a loss for words when it comes to discussing Leo," said stand-in Inter Miami coach Javier Morales.
Highlights: Ten-man Rangers thrashed by Club Brugge in Champions League play-off
Video credit: TNT Sports
Lionel Messi scored twice in the latter stages of Inter Miami's Leagues Cup semi-final against Orlando City on Wednesday as he propelled them into the final on his return.
The Argentina captain played the full 90 minutes after suffering a setback from an injury two weeks ago.
After Orlando had taken the lead through Marco Pasalic on the stroke of half-time, David Brekalo conceded a penalty and was sent off, as Messi stepped up to equalise in the 76th minute.
With the extra man advantage, Messi combined with former Barcelona team-mate Jordi Alba as he grabbed his second in the 88th minute to fire Inter ahead.
Telasco Segovia added a third three minutes later to add gloss to the scoreline, but it was Messi who received full praise from Inter Miami coach Javier Morales.
"We are at a loss for words when it comes to discussing Leo," said Morales, who was in the dugout in place of the suspended Javier Mascherano.
"He trained only two or three days and then [Wednesday] he played 90 minutes and the way he played, created situations, scoring goals. There is nothing more to say. For us, and for the fans, it's a privilege to have him on our team.
"We are always excited to win and now we have an opportunity to take home a trophy."
Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023 and has helped David Beckham's club to their first two trophies: the Leagues Cup in 2023 and the Supporters' Shield in 2024.
- Amorim on humiliating cup exit: 'Something has to change' at Man Utd
- Rangers blasted after 'unacceptable' Brugge implosion but Martin calm on future
- Man Utd humiliated as fourth-tier Grimsby produce astonishing EFL Cup upset
Messi will contest his 47th career title when Miami face Seattle in the final on Sunday, after their opponents beat LA Galaxy 2-0 in the opposite semi-final.
Messi 'played with fear'
The former Barcelona skipper said he had concerns over his comeback from injury, a muscular problem in his right leg.
"I wanted to be here," Messi said after the game.
"When I came back against [LA] Galaxy [on August 17], I felt some discomfort; I didn't feel comfortable, but I wanted to play the game.
"It was really important to be here because it's a difficult opponent, they'd beaten us in the two games we played against them this year.
"In the first half I was playing with a bit of fear, but after that I felt a bit [more] free."
- - -
Stream the Premier League, Men’s and Women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more on TNT Sports and discovery+
Related Topics
Thoughts?
Advertisement
Advertisement