Talk about a comeback! Lionel Messi turned the tide for Inter Miami in a thrilling Leagues Cup semi-final against Orlando City. From injury concerns to game-winning goals, the legend delivered pure magic. But what does this dramatic victory mean for their championship aspirations?

The highly anticipated Leagues Cup semi-final clash between Inter Miami and in-state rivals Orlando City delivered a dramatic spectacle, culminating in a triumphant 3-1 victory for Inter Miami. Spearheaded by the incomparable Lionel Messi, who netted two pivotal second-half goals, the match solidified Inter Miami’s berth in the prestigious Leagues Cup final. This crucial win marked a significant turning point, not only advancing the club in the tournament but also reversing their season-long fortunes against a formidable Orlando City squad that had previously dominated them.

Lionel Messi’s return to the starting lineup was a gamble, given his recent battle with a right hamstring injury that had sidelined him for much of the preceding month. However, the Argentine maestro proved his readiness, admitting he felt “a little bit of fear” in the opening half but quickly found his rhythm. His presence was indispensable, especially considering Orlando City’s 7-1 aggregate dominance over Inter Miami in two prior regular-season encounters, making this semi-final a vital test of resolve and skill.

The tension escalated just before halftime when Orlando City’s Marco Pašalić broke the deadlock, putting Inter Miami on the defensive. This strike threatened to send Inter Miami into a third-place match instead of the coveted final. However, the second half saw a revitalized Inter Miami, with tactical adjustments from the coaching staff, including assistant coach Javier Morales, beginning to pay dividends. The introduction of usual starters Tadeo Allende and Telasco Segovia from the bench further bolstered their offensive capabilities.

The turning point arrived in the 77th minute when Messi converted a critical penalty kick, leveling the score and igniting the Chase Stadium crowd. The opportunity arose after Orlando City defender David Brekalo was penalized for pulling Tadeo Allende’s jersey in the box. Controversy also simmered earlier, with Inter Miami fortunate to avoid a penalty against midfielder Sergio Busquets for a foul on Iván Angulo, highlighting the fine margins of the intense rivalry.

Messi continued his heroics, securing the game-winning goal in the 88th minute, a moment of pure brilliance that sent the home fans into raptures. The drama further intensified when Orlando City’s David Brekalo received a second yellow card, leading to his ejection. This dismissal, following an earlier elbow to Rodrigo De Paul’s face, critically hampered Orlando City, as coach Óscar Pareja conceded, “After the red card, we lost control.”

The victory was sealed in the 91st minute when Telasco Segovia added a third goal, assisted by Luis Suarez, cementing Inter Miami’s commanding position. This comprehensive performance was a testament to the team’s resilience and Messi’s unparalleled impact, underscoring defender Ian Frey’s sentiment: “This guy is ridiculous, honestly. It’s such a pleasure to have him on the team.”

With this hard-fought win, Inter Miami advances to face an as-yet-unnamed opponent on the road in the Leagues Cup final. This achievement marks their second journey to a Leagues Cup final since Messi’s arrival in Major League Soccer in July 2023, following their inaugural title win. The team, now with a healthy Messi, also eyes future opportunities, including contending for the Supporters’ Shield and their first MLS Cup title in the upcoming 2025 season.

Beyond the club competition, Messi’s schedule remains packed. Following the Leagues Cup final, he is set to represent Argentina in a World Cup qualifying match against Venezuela in Buenos Aires on September 4th. This fixture holds particular significance as it will likely be his last international appearance in his home country for the foreseeable future, adding another layer of historical importance to his already illustrious career.