Sign In
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
Lionel Messi continued his remarkable run with Inter Miami, emerging as the MSL side's saviour yet again in the Leagues Cup semifinal at Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The Argentine talisman scored a superb brace on his return to help Inter Miami beat Orlando City 3-1 to progress to the final.
Inter Miami will travel to face Seattle Sounders in the final on Sunday. Sounders defeated LA Galaxy in the second semifinal earlier today.
Messi, who returned to action for the second time in two weeks after a setback in his recovery from a hamstring problem, was at his brilliant best against Orlando, who took the lead just before halftime. Marco Pasalic opened the scoring after the play survived a VAR review for a possible handball.
Messi restored parity in the 77th minute, converting a spot kick after Tadeo Allende was hacked down in the box. A few minutes later, Messi produced magic in the dying stages when he combined with Jordi Alba to put Miami ahead in the 88th minute.
Telasco Segovia sealed the comeback win with a neat goal after a nifty give-and-go with Luis Suarez. The match between Miami and City turned out to be an intense fixture with nine yellow cards and one red card given to Orlando City defender David Brekalo.
Messi celebrated the win in style by embracing the kids in the stands.
The former Barcelona and PSG forward has enjoyed a prolific year with the Miami-based side. In 33 games this year, Messi has scored 27 goals and provided 11 assists.
On Sunday, he has an opportunity to win his 47th career trophy. His haul of 46 trophies, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup with his national team, Argentina and former clubs Barcelona and PSG, is already bigger than any footballer.
Meanwhile, Inter Miami will aim to reclaim the Leagues Cup, which they won in 2022.
