Lionel Messi once again carried Inter Miami to victory. He scored two goals as his team beat Orlando City 3-1 on Wednesday night. The win pushed Miami into the Leagues Cup final, a stage the club has been chasing for a long time.
Miami did not begin the game well. Orlando looked sharper and more dangerous during the first half. They created more chances and kept Miami under pressure. Orlando took eight shots while Miami only managed five. Their effort paid off just before halftime when Marco Pasalic scored in the first minute of added time. That goal sent Miami into the break one goal behind.
Miami returned after the break with new energy. They pressed harder, closed down space, and refused to give Orlando a single shot in the second half. They kept pushing forward, looking for a way back into the match. The key moment arrived in the 75th minute when Orlando defender David Brekalo fouled inside the box. The referee showed him a red card, and Miami earned a penalty.
Messi stepped forward to take the spot-kick. He calmly sent the ball into the right corner of the net to level the score. That strike came on his fifth attempt of the night but it was his first on target. Once he found his touch, he did not stop.
Just eleven minutes later, Messi scored again. He exchanged a quick pass with Jordi Alba near the box. Alba gave the ball back, and Messi wasted no time. With his trusted left foot, he powered the ball past goalkeeper Pedro Gallese. That goal gave Miami the lead for the first time in the game.
Messi still had more to give. In stoppage time, he delivered a long pass from midfield to Alba. Alba crossed the ball into the area, and Telasco Segovia finished the move with Miami’s third goal. The team ended the match with a strong and dominant second half.
Inter Miami now prepare for the Leagues Cup final on Sunday. They will face either LA Galaxy or Seattle Sounders. The match will take place on the west coast, and Messi’s form has given Miami strong belief that they can lift the trophy.