Messi Double Sends Inter Miami to Leagues Cup Final

Inter Miami player ratings took center stage as Lionel Messi delivered a spectacular performance, scoring twice in the second half, including a late clincher, to secure a 3-1 victory over Orlando City SC and propel the Herons into the Leagues Cup final.

Inter Miami Player Ratings Shine in Victory

Inter Miami player ratings soared on Wednesday night, thanks to Messi’s brilliance. Facing rivals Orlando City SC, Miami found themselves behind after Orlando’s Ivan Angulo missed a golden chance in the 22nd minute. However, it was Orlando that struck first, breaking the deadlock just before halftime. Marco Pašalić’s effort, initially blocked by Maxi Falcon, was ruled a goal after a VAR review in the 46th minute, giving Orlando a 1-0 lead as the teams headed into the break.

Orlando City’s Missed Opportunities

Orlando City had several opportunities to extend their lead. Angulo was again at the heart of the action, breaking into the box and coming up against Sergio Busquets. Despite strong appeals for a penalty after contact from Busquets, the officials saw no foul, even after reviewing the incident. Oscar Pareja’s side will undoubtedly regret those missed chances and tight referee decisions.

Lionel Messi Seizes the Moment for Inter Miami

After halftime, Inter Miami raised their level. Tadeo Allende’s aerial challenge saw him nudged in the box by an Orlando defender, resulting in a penalty after VAR intervention. Messi stepped up and calmly converted, leveling the score. The Argentine maestro wasn’t finished—Jordi Alba, quiet for much of the match, found Messi surging into the box and provided a pinpoint assist. Messi’s clinical finish gave Miami the lead in the dying minutes, sending the crowd into raptures.

Segovia Seals the Win

Telasco Segovia added a spectacular third for Inter Miami, capping a confident, attacking display and ensuring the club’s place in the Leagues Cup final. The Herons’ midfield and defense stood strong in the second half, repelling Orlando’s late pushes and maintaining composure under pressure.

What’s Next for Inter Miami and Orlando City SC?

With this 3-1 win, Inter Miami advance to their second-ever Leagues Cup final, marking a major achievement for the club and validating their investment in world-class talent like Messi, Busquets, and Alba. Orlando City, meanwhile, are not out of the competition. They will play in the third-place match, still in contention for a coveted spot in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

Inter Miami Player Ratings: Standout Performers

• Lionel Messi: 9.5/10 – A magical brace and constant threat.
• Tadeo Allende: 8/10 – Won the crucial penalty and worked tirelessly.
• Jordi Alba: 8/10 – Provided the decisive assist late on.
• Drake Callender: 7.5/10 – Key saves to keep Miami in the game.
• Sergio Busquets: 7/10 – Marshalled the midfield and broke up attacks.

Orlando City’s Ivan Angulo impressed despite missed chances, while Pašalić and Falcon combined well for their goal. However, Orlando’s attacking momentum faded late as Miami’s defense tightened.

Opinion: Messi’s Magic Defines Inter Miami’s Spirit

Inter Miami’s journey to the Leagues Cup final is a testament to Lionel Messi’s enduring brilliance and the team’s collective resilience. While Messi’s goals were the highlight, the squad’s ability to recover after conceding first and adapt under pressure speaks volumes about their growth. With Messi leading the charge, Miami fans can dare to dream even bigger. For more news on the Leagues Cup and global football stories, visit for more news.