Lionel Messi's Miracle In The Final Minutes Takes Inter Miami To The MLS League Cup Final

Lionel Messi became the actor in Inter Miami's victory in the semifinal Leagues Cup, even though he had just recovered from injury (Instagram/@intermimatif).

JAKARTA - Lionel Messi scored twice as he returned to play for Inter Miami in a 3-1 win over Orlando City on Thursday, August 28, 2025 WIB, to advance to the League Cup final (Leagues Cup MLS).

Messi returned for the second time in two weeks after suffering a setback in recovering from a hamstring injury.

Marco Pasalic opened the scoring for Orlando just before halftime, but the goal went through VAR's review for a possible handball.

Messi equalized in the 77th minute, executing a penalty after Tadeo Allende was dropped in the penalty box. Messi's miracle was again seen in the 88th minute when he collaborated with Jordi Alba to put Inter Miami ahead.

"We lost the words when we discussed Leo. He only trained for two or three days, then he played 90 minutes."

"The way to play, create a situation, score goals. There is nothing more to comment on. For us and for supporters, it is a privilege to have it in our team," said assistant coach Javier Morales of Messi at ESPN.

Then, to close it in a very similar way to Messi's second goal, Telasco Segovia gave the ball to Luis Suarez and snatched it back to give the final touch of victory.

"We're always excited to win. Now we have the opportunity to bring home the trophy," added Morales.

Meanwhile, head coach Javier Mascherano served his red card in the semifinals of the MLS League Cup.

In a match that is predicted to be fierce, a total of nine yellow cards and one red card were awarded to Orlando City defender David Brekalo.

"Brekalo's first (first) yellow card was incredible. He didn't even touch the (Rodrigo De Paul) player."

"So, it affects the team and the players so the game becomes very difficult," said Orlando City coach Oscar Pareja.

Inter Miami will travel to Seattle in the MLS Leagues Cup final on Sunday, August 31, 2025, local time, after Seatle Sounders beat LA Galaxy 2-0 in the semifinals on the same day.

Meanwhile, Inter Miami won the MLS League Cup in the 2022 edition.