August 28, (THEWILL) — Inter Miami defeated Orlando City 3-1 in the Leagues Cup 2025 semi-finals at Chase Stadium, booking their place in the tournament final. The victory also guarantees the Florida club a berth in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup competition. Captain Lionel Messi scored twice whilst midfielder Telasco Segovia added a third goal in the thrilling comeback win.
Orlando City took the lead through Marco Pašalić in first-half stoppage time, leaving Inter Miami trailing at the interval. The match turned dramatically in the 75th minute when Orlando defender David Brekalo received a red card for conceding a penalty. Messi converted the spot kick two minutes later to level the contest at 1-1.
The Argentine captain completed the turnaround three minutes from full time with a brilliant individual effort. Messi combined with Jordi Alba through a quick exchange before entering the penalty area and firing a low shot into the far corner. The goal marked his 17th contribution across his last nine appearances for the club in all competitions.
Substitute Segovia capped the victory in added time with a delicate chip over the Orlando goalkeeper, assisted by Luis Suárez. The strike is Segovia’s third goal of the current Leagues Cup campaign. Midfielder Sergio Busquets achieved a personal milestone by making his 100th appearance for Inter Miami, becoming only the fifth player to reach this landmark.
Inter Miami will face either LA Galaxy or Seattle Sounders in the Leagues Cup 2025 Final on Sunday August 31. The club previously won the tournament in 2023 and now has the opportunity to claim a second title. Victory would cap a remarkable run that has already guaranteed their participation in next year’s premier continental competition.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
