Messi Brace Powers Inter Miami Past Orlando City, Into Leagues Cup Final

Key facts

• Inter Miami defeated Orlando City 3-1 in the Leagues Cup 2025 Semifinals.
• Lionel Messi scored a brace, including a penalty and a late winner in the 88th minute.
• Telasco Segovia added a third goal in first-half stoppage time.
• Sergio Busquets made his 100th appearance for Inter Miami.
• Orlando City's David Brekalo was sent off in the 75th minute, conceding the penalty.
• Inter Miami will face Seattle Sounders in the final on August 31, 2025.

Comeback Victory at Chase Stadium

Inter Miami CF rallied from a halftime deficit to defeat Orlando City SC 3-1 in the Leagues Cup 2025 Semifinals, advancing to the tournament final and clinching a spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. The match at Chase Stadium saw the Herons overcome a 1-0 halftime disadvantage with three second-half goals. Orlando City took the lead in the first minute of added time before the break, with Marco Pašalić finding the net. Inter Miami goalkeeper Óscar Ustari had earlier made a crucial save in the ninth minute, denying Martín Ojeda's shot from inside the box.

Messi's Decisive Penalty and Brilliant Winner

The momentum shifted in the 75th minute when Orlando City defender David Brekalo conceded a penalty and was sent off. Lionel Messi stepped up and converted the spot kick in the 77th minute to level the score. Then, in the 88th minute, Messi combined with Jordi Alba in a quick give-and-go, entering the box and slotting a grounded finish to the far post. That goal was Messi's second of the Leagues Cup 2025, and it extended his remarkable run to 17 goal contributions in his last nine appearances across all competitions for Inter Miami.

Segovia Seals the Result

Second-half substitute Telasco Segovia put the game beyond doubt in the first minute of added time, chipping the ball over the Orlando City goalkeeper off an assist from Luis Suárez. The goal was Segovia's third in the competition, rounding out the 3-1 scoreline that held through the final whistle. Suárez had earlier come close in the 31st minute with a left-footed curler that went just wide of the far post.

Historic Milestone for Busquets

With his start on the night, midfielder Sergio Busquets became the fifth player in Inter Miami's history to reach 100 appearances for the club. The veteran anchored the midfield alongside Yannick Bright, while the back four consisted of Ian Fray, Maximiliano Falcón, Gonzalo Luján, and Jordi Alba. Rodrigo De Paul, Messi, and Baltasar Rodríguez played further forward, with Suárez leading the attack.

Champions Cup Qualification and Final Preview

By reaching the final, Inter Miami secured its place in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, adding a significant continental prize to their season. The Herons now have the chance to claim their second Leagues Cup title, having won the competition in 2023. Inter Miami will travel to face Seattle Sounders in the Leagues Cup 2025 Final on Sunday, August 31. The match promises to be a stern test against a side that has also impressed in the tournament.

The bottom line

• Inter Miami's 3-1 win over Orlando City sends them to the Leagues Cup final and guarantees a 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup berth.
• Lionel Messi's brace, including a penalty and a late winner, was decisive in the comeback.
• Telasco Segovia's chip in stoppage time sealed the victory.
• Sergio Busquets reached 100 appearances for Inter Miami, a club milestone.
• David Brekalo's red card and penalty concession proved costly for Orlando City.
• The final against Seattle Sounders is set for August 31, 2025.