Messi's brace sends Inter Miami to Leagues Cup final after 3-1 win over Orlando City

Key facts

• Inter Miami defeated Orlando City 3-1 in the Leagues Cup 2025 Semifinals on August 24 at Chase Stadium.
• Lionel Messi scored a brace (77' penalty, 88' open play) and now has 17 goal contributions in his last nine appearances.
• Telasco Segovia added a stoppage-time chip (90+1') for Inter Miami's third goal.
• Orlando City's Marco Pašalić opened the scoring in first-half added time (45+1').
• Orlando defender David Brekalo was sent off in the 75th minute for conceding a penalty.
• Sergio Busquets made his 100th appearance for Inter Miami, becoming the fifth player to reach the milestone.
• Inter Miami will face Seattle Sounders in the Leagues Cup 2025 Final on Sunday, August 31.
• By reaching the final, Inter Miami qualified for the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup.

Comeback at Chase Stadium

Inter Miami CF overturned a first-half deficit to defeat rivals Orlando City SC 3-1 in the Leagues Cup 2025 Semifinals at Chase Stadium on Saturday night. The victory not only sends the Herons to the tournament final but also secures a berth in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. Lionel Messi delivered a brace — a 77th-minute penalty and an 88th-minute curler — to lead the comeback. Telasco Segovia added a sublime chip in first-half stoppage time to seal the result. The win sets up a final against Seattle Sounders on August 31.

Messi's decisive intervention

Orlando City took the lead in first-half added time through Marco Pašalić, but the match turned in the 75th minute when Orlando defender David Brekalo conceded a penalty and was sent off. Messi stepped up and converted the spot kick in the 77th minute to level the score. Eleven minutes later, Messi combined with Jordi Alba in a quick give-and-go, entered the box, and slotted a grounded finish to the far post. The goal was his second of the Leagues Cup 2025, extending his remarkable run to 17 goal contributions in his last nine appearances across all competitions.

Segovia's insurance goal and Busquets' milestone

Second-half substitute Telasco Segovia rounded out the scoring in the first minute of added time, chipping the goalkeeper off an assist from Luis Suárez. The goal was Segovia's third in the competition. Midfielder Sergio Busquets made history by becoming the fifth player to reach 100 appearances for Inter Miami. Goalkeeper Óscar Ustari also made a key early save in the ninth minute, denying Martín Ojeda's shot from inside the box.

Defensive concerns persist despite win

While the attack delivered, Inter Miami's defense showed vulnerabilities. Orlando City had several chances, including a blocked shot from Martín Ojeda and an offside call against Duncan McGuire. The back line of Ian Fray, Maximiliano Falcón, Gonzalo Luján, and Jordi Alba faced pressure throughout. Fray, who scored the opening goal in a previous match, was removed after 66 minutes with a worrying injury. The team's defensive lapses have been a recurring issue, as they have now dropped points in four straight home games at Chase Stadium.

Path to the final and Champions Cup qualification

With the win, Inter Miami advances to the Leagues Cup 2025 Final, where they will face Seattle Sounders on the road this Sunday, August 31. The Herons previously won the Leagues Cup in 2023. As one of the finalists, Inter Miami also secured a spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, a significant achievement that guarantees continental competition next season. The club will aim to claim a second Leagues Cup title and build momentum for the upcoming campaign.

The bottom line

• Inter Miami beat Orlando City 3-1 in the Leagues Cup semifinal to reach the final and qualify for the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup.
• Lionel Messi scored twice (penalty and open play) and now has 17 goal contributions in his last nine games.
• Orlando City's David Brekalo was sent off for conceding a penalty, which Messi converted to equalize.
• Telasco Segovia scored his third goal of the competition in stoppage time to seal the win.
• Sergio Busquets made his 100th appearance for Inter Miami, becoming the fifth player to do so.
• Inter Miami will play Seattle Sounders in the final on August 31, seeking their second Leagues Cup title.