In a stunning turn of events, Lionel Messi delivered late-game heroics that sent Inter Miami into the Leagues Cup final. Trailing 1–0 for much of the match, Miami surged ahead in the final 15 minutes to clinch a 3–1 victory over a shorthanded Orlando City side. The breakthrough came in the 74th minute when Orlando’s David Brekalo was sent off after fouling Tadeo Allende in the penalty area. Messi calmly converted the spot kick just three minutes later, leveling the score.
Messi wasn’t done. About 11 minutes after the penalty, he combined with Jordi Alba down the right flank to break Orlando’s weakened defense and score from inside the box. Then, deep into stoppage time, he set up Telasco Segovia with a precise pass, sealing the 3–1 comeback and Miami’s spot in the final. With this win, Inter Miami not only reach the Leagues Cup final for just the second time in three years, but also secure a berth in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup round of 16. Seattle Sounders await as their opponents in the championship showdown.
