Inter Miami have a chance to win their second title, as Messi’s team defeated Orlando City 3-1 in the Leagues Cup semifinals at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Wednesday, August 27.
Marco Pašalić scored against Miami in the 46th minute of the first half, giving Orlando a 1-0 lead. However, in the 74th minute of the second half, Orlando City’s David Brekalo received a second yellow card from the referee for a foul on Miami’s Tadeo Allende. The card was upgraded to red, resulting in Orlando losing Brekalo and Miami receiving a penalty.
Messi, 38, scored from the penalty spot to level the score at 1–1 for Miami, who returned from a hamstring injury. Messi then scored his second goal in the 88th minute, assisted by Jordi Alba, to give Miami a 2–1 lead.
In the 91st minute, Telasco Segovia scored with an assist from Luis Suárez, putting his team ahead 3-1 and securing Miami’s victory.
The Argentine star later admitted that he felt relieved to have finished the game without any ill effects, which bodes well for Miami’s next matches.
Messi told AppleTV, “I wanted to be here. Against the LA Galaxy, I felt uncomfortable, but I knew how important this rival was. I prepared for it. In the first half, I felt scared, but little by little I loosened up.”
Leagues Cup final
The Leagues Cup final will take place on Sunday, August 31, at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington, where Inter Miami will face the Seattle Sounders in their bid to win their second title. Previously, in 2023, Miami won their first title by defeating Nashville SC 5–4 in a penalty shootout, with Lionel Messi playing a key role.
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