Miami: Lionel Messi made a dazzling return to the pitch after recovering from a hamstring injury, scoring twice to guide Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over Orlando City and secure a place in the Leagues Cup final.
The night didn’t begin brightly for Miami. Orlando struck first when Marco Pasalic netted just before halftime, silencing the home crowd. But the script flipped in the second half, with Messi once again proving why he remains football’s ultimate game-changer.
In the 77th minute, the Argentine calmly slotted home a penalty after Tadeo Allende was brought down inside the box, leveling the contest. As the clock ticked down, Messi delivered his moment of brilliance slicing through more than five defenders before hammering in his second goal in the 88th minute to put Miami ahead.
Miami sealed the victory in stoppage time as Telasco Segovia added a third, sealing a memorable night for the club and its fans.
Inter Miami will now face the winner of the LA Galaxy vs. Seattle Sounders clash in Sunday’s final, with Messi’s resurgence boosting hopes of lifting the trophy.