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Lionel Messi Scores Twice, Inter Miami Beats Orlando 3-1

Sandy Verma August 29, 2025 06:24 AM

Lionel Messi Scores Twice, Inter Miami Beats Orlando 3-1/ TezzBuzz/ 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 forward Lionel Messi (10) celebrates with his teammates after Telasco Segovia, not shown, scored a goal during the second half of a Leagues Cup semifinal soccer match against Orlando City, Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi, left, reacts after scoring a goal during the second half of a Leagues Cup semifinal soccer match against Orlando City, Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

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

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi, third from left, scores a goal as Orlando City defender Robin Jansson, second from right, defends during the second half of a Leagues Cup semifinal soccer match, Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

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 finalwhere they’ll face the Seattle Sounderswho 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 Pasalic found the back of the net. His goal was initially reviewed for a potential handball but ultimately stood after a Was 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 Albahe 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, Tablasco Segovia played a clever one-two with Luis Suárezreceiving 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.

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.

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.