Aug 27, 2025; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA; Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) celebrates after scoring against Orlando City during the second half at Chase Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

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Lionel Messi Fires Inter Miami to Leagues Cup Final – Match Highlights, Player Ratings and More

Inter Miami CF booked their place in the Leagues Cup 2025 final after a stunning second-half comeback saw them beat rivals Orlando City 3-1 in the Florida Derby at Chase Stadium on Wednesday night. Lionel Messi was the difference on his return from injury, scoring twice in the final 15 minutes to turn the tie around, before Telasco Segovia sealed the victory in stoppage time.

The win fired Inter Miami into the Aug. 31 Leagues Cup Final final, where they’ll face Seattle Sounders. It also guarantees them a spot in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup. Orlando had gone into halftime with the advantage after Marco Pasalic struck in stoppage time. However, the game shifted dramatically when David Brekalo was sent off for a second yellow card.

Messi converted the resulting penalty in the 77th minute to level the score. The Argentine superstar then struck again in the 88th minute after a clever link-up with Jordi Alba. Segovia added the third moments later following a neat exchange with Luis Suarez, capping off another memorable night for the Herons.

WE ARE IN THE LEAGUES CUP FINAL 🩷🖤 pic.twitter.com/KlxVvtd8WV
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 28, 2025

Inter Miami CF vs Orlando City Player Ratings

Lionel Messi was the man of the match, leading Inter Miami’s comeback with a second-half brace. Rated 9.0, the captain dictated play with his trademark dribbling and composure from the penalty spot. Jordi Alba also impressed with an 8.2, combining defensive solidity with attacking creativity down the left flank. Rodrigo de Paul provided energy and control in midfield, earning a 7.7 rating.

Top Performers of the Game

Player	Rating	Position
L. Messi	9.0	Forward
J. Alba	8.2	Defender
R. de Paul	7.7	Midfielder
R. Bright	7.7	Defender
B. Rodríguez	7.1	Midfielder

(Player Ratings via – SofaScore)

ALSO READ: Champions League Draw for 2025-26 Season – When, Where, Teams for League Phase, and More

Slow Day at the Office

Orlando struggled after going down to 10 men, with their defensive line particularly exposed. Alex Freeman was rated just 5.7, while Rodrigo Schlegel (5.9) and Robin Jansson (6.2) also found it difficult to contain Miami’s attack. Meanwhile, Orlando left-back David Brekalo, who was sent off, was rated 6.3.

Player	Rating	Position
A. Freeman	5.7	Defender
R. Schlegel	5.9	Defender
R. Jansson	6.2	Defender
David Brekalo	6.3	Defender

Inter Miami CF vs Orlando City Match Highlights

Inter Miami

Leagues Cup

Lionel Messi

Orlando City

Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.