On August 27, 2025, Lionel Messi delivered a stellar performance, scoring twice to lead Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over Orlando City in the Leagues Cup semifinal at Chase Stadium. Consequently, this win secured Inter Miami’s place in the final of the cross-border competition, which includes teams from Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX. They will face either the Los Angeles Galaxy or the Seattle Sounders on August 31, 2025.
Initially, Orlando City took control. They had defeated Inter Miami twice in 2025 by a combined score of 7-1. In first-half stoppage time, Luis Muriel passed to the box. However, Maximiliano Falcon’s clearance attempt went wrong. As a result, Marco Pasalic, a Croatian player, scored with a left-footed shot, giving Orlando a 1-0 lead.
After halftime, Inter Miami struggled against Orlando’s tight defence. For instance, Luis Suarez’s shot forced a save from goalkeeper Pedro Gallese. Meanwhile, Messi faced heavy marking. However, the game changed in the 59th minute. Specifically, referee Walter Lopez denied Orlando a penalty after Sergio Busquets fouled Ivan Angulo, frustrating the visitors.
MESSI MIGHT'VE JUST WON IT. WOWOWOWOW. pic.twitter.com/r3ZUYugpz5
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 28, 2025Turning Point: Messi’s Penalty
In the 74th minute, substitute Tadeo Allende earned a penalty. David Brekalo’s foul, including a jersey tug, led to a second yellow card and his ejection. Consequently, Messi stepped up in the 77th minute. He calmly scored the penalty, levelling the match at 1-1 by firing past Gallese into the bottom right corner.
Later, in the 88th minute, Messi struck again. He combined with Jordi Alba for a clinical finish, putting Inter Miami ahead 2-1. Then, in stoppage time, Telasco Segovia added a third goal. As a result, Inter Miami secured a 3-1 victory, sparking wild celebrations at Chase Stadium.
Notably, Messi’s return from a right thigh injury was crucial. He had missed two prior matches. His penalty and second goal highlighted his brilliance. Meanwhile, coach Javier Mascherano watched from the stands due to a red card from the quarter-final against Tigres UANL. Despite this, Inter Miami showed resilience. The Leagues Cup, which Inter Miami won in 2023, offers the top three teams a berth in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup.
