Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini returns from injury and wins Man of the Match with an exceptional brace against Orlando City!
Match Recap: Turning the Tide
Orlando City took the lead first: Marco Pašalić struck just before halftime (45+1′), giving the visiting side a deserved edge heading into the break.
David Brekalo’s red card at 73′ changed everything. It handed Inter Miami a precious numerical advantage and momentum.
Messi’s return was seismic:
He drew a penalty and slotted it at the 77th minute to level the game.
Eleven minutes later, he curled home a beautiful goal from a Jordi Alba assist to put Miami ahead.
Telasco Segovia sealed the deal in stoppage time (90+1′), combining with Luis Suárez to finish the comeback.
This emphatic 3–1 win not only sent Inter Miami into the Leagues Cup Final but also secured their qualification for the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Tactical Turning Points
Orlando City’s Early Control
Orlando started confidently, dictating the tempo and landing the first blow through Pašalić. Their plan to press and exploit gaps in Miami’s midfield initially worked well.
Red Card: Miami’s Golden Turning Point
The dismissal of Brekalo disrupted Orlando’s rhythm and forced them into reactive defense — an issue Miami capitalized on effectively.
Messi’s Impact
His return shifted the entire encounter:
Penalty precision (77′): Composure under pressure.
Tactical intelligence (88′): Blending with Alba showcased creative fluidity and his understanding of space.
Game control: His presence elevated team dynamics and confidence.
Segovia’s Clincher
Substitute Telasco Segovia’s late goal demonstrated Miami’s depth and ability to execute under pressure — beyond relying on their headline stars.
Player Performances
Player Evaluation
Lionel Messi Masterclass. Two crucial goals and a commanding return from injury solidified his invaluable influence.
Jordi Alba Orchestrated the second goal beautifully — excellent partnership with Messi.
Telasco Segovia Showed clutch instincts with a late dagger; rewarded trust off the bench.
Marco Pašalić Early spark for Orlando — his opener kept them competitive despite adversity.
David Brekalo His red card was pivotal — it swung momentum and exposed Orlando.
Broader Implications
For Inter Miami
Messi’s return was the inflection point: Proved the team’s “Messi dependence” but also their ability to overcome adversity.
Their win reflects resilience and depth — Suárez, Segovia, Alba all played key roles.
This victory keeps their Leagues Cup title defense alive and triggers continental competition qualification.
For Orlando City
They showed character and began well, but disciplinary lapses proved costly.
Despite the red card, the loss highlights a need for greater consistency and discipline when facing top-tier lineups.
Leagues Cup and MLS Narrative
The all-MLS semifinal lineup underscores the league’s current dominance, following a trend from 2024.
Inter Miami’s final appearance increases MLS’s regional standing and momentum heading into the Champions Cup.
Win gave direct entry in CONCACAF Champions
Inter Miami CF has qualified for the upcoming CONCACAF Champions Cup. If Inter Miami wins the Leagues Cup, they will secure a place in the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16! 🏆
The final is next Sunday, ladies and gentlemen. Inter Miami’s opponent will be determined by the matchup between the LA Galaxy and the Seattle Sounders.
Lionel Leo Messi is going for another trophy in his glorious professional career. The most successful player in history is going for more.
Final Verdict
The match was a dramatic reversal of fortunes: from trailing at halftime to overturning the result with Messi’s brilliance and tactical composure. It showcased the dual nature of Inter Miami — vulnerability without Messi, but explosive when he’s fit and firing. For Orlando, it was a hard lesson in managing game dynamics amidst adversity.
As the Herons prepare for the final, one thing is clear: with Messi healthy and the squad unit firing, they’re a formidable force.
What Messi says about his health
🎙️: You came off an injury. Even President Jorge Mas said you weren’t 100%, that you were still injured. How did you manage that?
🗣️ Messi: “Today I wanted to be present. Since my return against the Galaxy, I’ve felt discomfort and discomfort.
I prepared well for this match because I knew how important it was, and how important our opponent was. They’re a very tough opponent. We haven’t been able to win our previous two matches against them this season.
In fact, in the first half, I was still a little apprehensive, but in the second half, I felt more free.”