Okegoal.com - Inter Miami secured their ticket to the Leagues Cup 2025 final after dispatching Orlando City with a 3-1 victory. Lionel Messi stole the spotlight once again, netting twice to spearhead the triumph.
The clash at Chase Stadium saw Orlando draw first blood. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Marco Pasalic latched onto a precise through-ball from Luis Muriel before unleashing a blistering strike past goalkeeper Oscar Ustari.
The match’s complexion shifted in the second half. Orlando was reduced to ten men in the 75th minute when David Brekalo received a second yellow card for shoving Tadeo Allende inside the penalty area. The infringement gifted Inter Miami a spot kick, which Messi converted with trademark composure.
With numerical superiority, Miami began to dictate proceedings. The turning point arrived in the 88th minute. Messi, combining intricately with Jordi Alba inside the box, fired a low-driven shot into the far corner, leaving Pedro Gallese rooted to the spot.
The coup de grâce came in stoppage time. Telasco Segovia, linking seamlessly with Messi and Luis Suárez, slotted home from close range to seal the 3-1 result.
The victory propels Miami into the final, where they await the winner between LA Galaxy and Seattle Sounders. The decisive showdown is set for August 31.