Inter Miami vs Orlando City Leagues Cup Semifinal Highlights: Lionel Messi’s Double Secures 3-1 Comeback Victory.
Date: August 28, 2025
Venue: Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Author: Adam Millington, BBC Sport Journalist
Image Source: Getty Images
Image Caption: Lionel Messi celebrates with teammates after scoring the go-ahead goal against Orlando City.
Inter Miami staged a dramatic 3-1 comeback to defeat Orlando City in the Leagues Cup semifinal on August 27, 2025, propelled by a Lionel Messi brace and a late solo strike from Telasco Segovia.
The victory, sealed against a 10-man Orlando side, secured Inter Miami’s place in the 2025 Leagues Cup final and a spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. This Florida derby, played at Chase Stadium, showcased Messi’s enduring brilliance despite fitness concerns, as Inter Miami overcame an early deficit to advance to face either LA Galaxy or Seattle Sounders. Below is a detailed account of the match, including key moments, player performances, and tactical insights, alongside a broader look at Inter Miami’s journey and Orlando City’s resilience in this thrilling encounter.
Match Report
The Leagues Cup semifinal between Inter Miami and Orlando City was a rollercoaster, with Inter Miami emerging victorious thanks to Messi’s magic and Segovia’s flair. Orlando City took a deserved lead just before halftime through Marco Pašalić’s thunderous strike, capitalizing on a well-orchestrated move. However, the second half belonged to Inter Miami, as Messi equalized from a penalty in the 77th minute and struck again in the 88th, linking up with Jordi Alba for the go-ahead goal.
Segovia’s stoppage-time chip sealed a 3-1 win, sending the Chase Stadium crowd into a frenzy. The result marked Inter Miami’s second Leagues Cup final appearance, following their 2023 triumph, and highlighted their resilience despite missing coach Javier Mascherano, who was suspended after a red card in the quarterfinals.
Orlando City, despite their defeat, showed why they’ve dominated this rivalry, holding an 8-4-5 head-to-head record over Inter Miami in 17 meetings. Their high-pressing, counterattacking style troubled Miami early, but a critical error from David Brekalo, resulting in a penalty and red card, shifted momentum decisively. This match, broadcast exclusively on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV, underscored the intensity of the “Clásico del Sol” and cemented Inter Miami’s status as a trophy contender in 2025.
Orlando City, despite their defeat, showed why they’ve dominated this rivalry, holding an 8-4-5 head-to-head record over Inter Miami in 17 meetings. Their high-pressing, counterattacking style troubled Miami early, but a critical error from David Brekalo, resulting in a penalty and red card, shifted momentum decisively. This match, broadcast exclusively on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV, underscored the intensity of the “Clásico del Sol” and cemented Inter Miami’s status as a trophy contender in 2025.
Key Match Highlights
Pre-Match
05:06 IST: Inter Miami aimed to advance to the Leagues Cup final, hosting Orlando City at Chase Stadium. Lionel Messi’s availability was confirmed after training, a major boost for the Herons following his absence in the quarterfinal win over Tigres due to a minor muscle injury.
05:11 IST: Inter Miami’s starting XI: Ustari (GK); Fray, Luján, Falcón, Allen; Bright, Busquets, De Paul; Messi, Suárez, Rodríguez.
05:29 IST: Orlando City’s starting XI: Gallese (GK); Freeman, Schlegel, Jansson, Brekalo; Atuesta, Araújo; Pašalić, Ojeda, Angulo; Muriel.
05:51 IST: Head-to-head context: Orlando City held the edge with eight wins, four draws, and five losses in 17 prior meetings with Inter Miami, including a 4-1 MLS thrashing earlier in 2025.
First Half
06:13 IST (Kickoff): Inter Miami, in their pink kits, started the match, with Orlando City in purple controlling early possession.
06:15 IST (3’): Orlando City applied pressure with crosses, but De Paul’s diagonal for Inter Miami was cleared. The game opened with high intensity.
06:18 IST (6’): Orlando won a corner, taken by Muriel, but Inter Miami’s defense stood firm.
06:22 IST (10’): Suárez set up De Paul for Inter Miami’s first shot, narrowly missing. Orlando responded with Ojeda’s powerful strike, saved by Ustari.
06:32 IST (18’): Orlando’s Brekalo and Atuesta received yellow cards for fouls on Busquets, heating up the contest.
06:35 IST (22’): De Paul’s long-range effort forced a diving save from Gallese, showcasing Inter Miami’s growing threat.
06:36 IST (24’): Angulo missed a golden opportunity for Orlando, firing wide after breaking through on goal.
06:41 IST (28’): The game slowed, with Orlando controlling possession and Messi yet to make a significant impact.
06:44 IST (32’): Suárez curled a shot just wide, marking Inter Miami’s best moment.
06:46 IST (34’): Angulo’s near-post effort was saved by Ustari, keeping the score level.
06:50 IST (38’): Pašalić’s ambitious volley for Orlando sailed over, while Messi and Alba linked well on the left.
06:54 IST (42’): Messi danced past defenders but his through ball was intercepted. Pašalić’s long shot was comfortably saved by Ustari.
06:59 IST (45’): GOAL! Orlando City took the lead. Muriel drove through the center, laid off to Pašalić, whose shot deflected off Falcón and was slammed home. Orlando led 1-0 at halftime, a deserved advantage after a dominant half.
Halftime
07:02 IST: Orlando City entered the break with momentum, their high pressing and quick transitions unsettling Inter Miami. The Herons needed a response, with Messi yet to fully influence the game.
Second Half
07:22 IST (48’): Inter Miami earned an early freekick. Messi’s low cross was cleared easily by Orlando’s defense.
07:24 IST (52’): Alba fed Suárez, whose shot was blocked. Inter Miami showed greater urgency.
07:28 IST (56’): Orlando regrouped, moving the ball calmly to absorb Inter Miami’s pressure.
07:30 IST (58’): Alba’s low cross found Suárez, who narrowly missed at the goal mouth, marking Inter Miami’s best chance of the half.
07:34 IST (62’): Alba switched play to Messi, who couldn’t navigate Orlando’s defense, losing possession in the box.
07:38 IST (66’): Orlando sat deeper, allowing Inter Miami to dominate possession and control the tempo.
07:42 IST (70’): Messi was fouled outside the box but sent his trademark freekick over the crossbar.
07:45 IST (73’): Freeman’s run for Orlando was halted by Bright’s foul, keeping the away side pinned back.
07:47 IST (74’): PENALTY! Alba’s cross found Allende, who was fouled by Brekalo. The referee awarded a penalty and issued Brekalo a second yellow, reducing Orlando to 10 men.
07:49 IST (77’): GOAL! Messi stepped up and slotted the penalty to his right, leveling the score at 1-1. A decisive moment as Inter Miami gained momentum.
07:55 IST (82’): With Orlando down to 10, Alba’s crosses kept the pressure on, as Inter Miami sensed a winner.
07:59 IST (86’): Messi and Suárez linked at the box’s edge but couldn’t break through. Alba’s shot rattled the post, signaling Inter Miami’s intent.
08:01 IST (88’): GOAL! Messi struck again! A delicate one-two with Alba saw Messi find space and rifle a shot into the bottom corner, giving Inter Miami a 2-1 lead.
08:04 IST (91’): GOAL! Segovia sealed the win. Receiving the ball outside the box, he jinked past defenders, bounced it off Suárez, and chipped Gallese face-to-face, making it 3-1.
08:09 IST (Full Time): Inter Miami completed a 3-1 comeback, with Messi’s brace and Segovia’s solo effort securing their place in the Leagues Cup final.
Post-Match Analysis
Inter Miami’s Comeback
Inter Miami’s victory was a testament to their star power and resilience. Despite trailing at halftime, the introduction of Tadeo Allende and the pivotal penalty moment shifted the game. Messi, despite a subdued first half and recent injury concerns, proved his class with a composed penalty and a clinical finish.
His synergy with Alba, a former Barcelona teammate, was crucial, with their one-two for the second goal showcasing their telepathic understanding. Segovia’s late strike highlighted Inter Miami’s depth, as the Venezuelan substitute capitalized on Orlando’s fatigue and numerical disadvantage.
Assistant coach Javier Morales, standing in for the suspended Mascherano, praised Messi’s leadership, noting, “He is very important to us, especially his leadership, with the experience he has in tournaments”. Ian Fray echoed this, calling Messi “ridiculous” and a “pleasure” to play with. The Herons’ second-half dominance, with 62% possession and 14 shots (six on target) compared to Orlando’s 38% and eight shots (three on target), underlined their ability to seize control.
Assistant coach Javier Morales, standing in for the suspended Mascherano, praised Messi’s leadership, noting, “He is very important to us, especially his leadership, with the experience he has in tournaments”. Ian Fray echoed this, calling Messi “ridiculous” and a “pleasure” to play with. The Herons’ second-half dominance, with 62% possession and 14 shots (six on target) compared to Orlando’s 38% and eight shots (three on target), underlined their ability to seize control.
Orlando City’s Resistance
Orlando City’s first half was a masterclass in tactical discipline, with high pressing and quick transitions exposing Inter Miami’s defensive gaps. Pašalić’s goal, assisted by Muriel, highlighted their efficiency, with three shots on target from eight attempts.
Goalkeeper Pedro Gallese made crucial saves, including from De Paul and Suárez, to keep Orlando ahead. However, Brekalo’s red card was a turning point, as Orlando struggled to maintain their shape with 10 men. Coach Oscar Pareja expressed frustration over the officiating, particularly Brekalo’s first yellow and a denied penalty for Angulo, believing these decisions cost his team.
Despite the loss, Orlando’s performance reinforced their dominance in this rivalry, having won 3-0 and 4-1 against Inter Miami in MLS earlier in 2025. Their ability to create chances, like Angulo’s miss and Pašalić’s long-range efforts, showed their threat, but they couldn’t withstand Inter Miami’s late surge.
Despite the loss, Orlando’s performance reinforced their dominance in this rivalry, having won 3-0 and 4-1 against Inter Miami in MLS earlier in 2025. Their ability to create chances, like Angulo’s miss and Pašalić’s long-range efforts, showed their threat, but they couldn’t withstand Inter Miami’s late surge.
Key Performers
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami): Scored twice, including a penalty and a clinical finish, earning MVP honors. His second-half impact was decisive despite a quiet first half.
Jordi Alba (Inter Miami): Provided the assist for Messi’s second goal and was a constant threat with crosses, pivotal in the comeback.
Telasco Segovia (Inter Miami): Sealed the win with a brilliant solo goal, showcasing composure beyond his years.
Marco Pašalić (Orlando City): Scored Orlando’s goal and tested Ustari with long-range efforts, proving a handful.
Pedro Gallese (Orlando City): Made key saves to keep Orlando in the game, though he couldn’t stop Messi’s penalty or Segovia’s chip.
Tactical Breakdown
Inter Miami’s 4-3-3 formation, with Busquets anchoring midfield and De Paul adding dynamism, allowed flexibility but struggled early against Orlando’s high press. Orlando’s 4-2-3-1 focused on quick transitions, with Muriel and Angulo exploiting spaces behind Miami’s high line. The red card forced Orlando to shift to a 4-4-1, ceding possession and allowing Inter Miami to dominate. Morales’ decision to bring on Allende for Rodríguez in the 65th minute added energy, leading to the penalty that changed the game’s complexion.
Messi’s positioning as a false nine in the second half pulled Orlando’s defenders out, creating space for Alba and Suárez. Orlando’s deeper stance post-halftime, while initially effective, left them vulnerable to Inter Miami’s relentless pressure after Brekalo’s dismissal. The Herons’ ability to capitalize on set-pieces and individual brilliance ultimately proved the difference.
Broader Context
Inter Miami’s victory keeps their 2025 trophy hunt alive, with the Leagues Cup final offering a chance to add to their 2023 title. The win also secures a 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup spot, a significant achievement after their earlier exits in the Concacaf Champions Cup and FIFA Club World Cup. Messi’s return from a minor muscle injury, sustained against LA Galaxy on August 16, was a game-changer, though he admitted feeling “tentative” early before loosening up.
Orlando City, despite their strong MLS form (fifth in the Eastern Conference), couldn’t replicate their league dominance over Inter Miami. Their penalty shootout win over Toluca in the quarterfinals showed their resilience, but the semifinal loss highlighted the fine margins in knockout football. The Lions will now focus on their Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup aspirations.
Historical Significance
This match adds to the storied “Clásico del Sol” rivalry, with Orlando’s historical edge (8 wins in 17) making Inter Miami’s comeback even sweeter. Messi’s brace brings his 2025 Leagues Cup tally to three goals, reinforcing his MVP candidacy. The game also showcased Inter Miami’s growing depth, with contributions from Segovia and Allende complementing their star-studded core of Messi, Suárez, Alba, and Busquets.
For Orlando, the defeat stings but doesn’t diminish their 2025 achievements, including two convincing MLS wins over Inter Miami. The red card and penalty decision will fuel debates, with Pareja’s complaints echoing fan sentiments on social media. The match’s intensity, with 22 fouls and three yellow cards (two for Orlando, one for Inter Miami’s Busquets), reflected the stakes of this semifinal.
What’s Next?
Inter Miami advances to the Leagues Cup final on August 31, 2025, against either LA Galaxy or Seattle Sounders, with a chance to lift their second title in the competition’s history. The Herons return to MLS action against Charlotte FC, aiming to close the eight-point gap to the Eastern Conference leaders. Orlando City, meanwhile, faces a quick turnaround for their next MLS match, with their focus shifting to the Supporters’ Shield race.
Fan Reactions
Social media buzzed with reactions, from Inter Miami fans celebrating Messi’s heroics to Orlando supporters lamenting the refereeing decisions. Posts on X highlighted Messi’s clutch performance, with one user calling him “the GOAT who always delivers”. Others debated Brekalo’s red card, with some arguing it was harsh, while Inter Miami fans pointed to Allende’s clear foul as justification. The match’s dramatic finish and Segovia’s “Arepa Power” moment, as dubbed by Leagues Cup’s official account, sparked widespread excitement.
Inter Miami’s 3-1 victory over Orlando City was a showcase of resilience, star power, and tactical adaptability. Messi’s brace, Alba’s creativity, and Segovia’s flair turned a 1-0 deficit into a memorable comeback, securing a place in the Leagues Cup final. Orlando City’s spirited performance was undone by a critical error, but their first-half dominance showed their potential. This Florida derby will be remembered as one of the 2025 Leagues Cup’s defining moments, with Inter Miami now one step from glory.
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