Fort Lauderdale, Aug (IANS) – Captain Lionel Messi struck twice and midfielder Telasco Segovia added another as Inter Miami produced a stunning 3-1 comeback victory over rivals Orlando City SC at Chase Stadium to reach the Leagues Cup final.
By advancing to the final, Inter Miami also booked its place in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup.
Midfielder Sergio Busquets marked a milestone with his start, becoming just the fifth player to make 100 appearances for the club.
Goalkeeper Oscar Ustari kept Miami in the game early, producing a sharp ninth-minute save to deny Orlando’s Martín Ojeda from close range. Luis Suárez nearly opened the scoring for the hosts in the 31st minute, curling a left-footed effort just wide of the far post.
Orlando City broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time when Marco Pašalić found the net. The visitors were later reduced to 10 men in the 75th minute after defender David Brekalo conceded a penalty and was sent off. Messi stepped up and calmly converted from the spot in the 77th to level the score.
The Argentine superstar completed the turnaround in the 88th minute with a moment of brilliance, combining with Jordi Alba before finishing clinically into the far corner. It was Messi’s second goal of the tournament and extended his tally to 17 goal contributions in his last nine appearances across competitions.
Substitute Telasco Segovia sealed the win in stoppage time with a delightful chip over the keeper, assisted by Suárez. The goal marked Segovia’s third of the tournament.
The 3-1 result held until the final whistle, sending Inter Miami to its second Leagues Cup final after lifting the trophy in 2023. They will face the Seattle Sounders in the 2025 final on August 31.
