The night began with the weight of Florida’s rivalry palpable in the air. Orlando City, undeterred by the home crowd, struck first. Just before halftime, Marco Pašalić seized on a scramble in the box to fire past Óscar Ustari, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead. The goal stood after a tense VAR review, sending the visiting supporters into raptures and casting doubt over Miami’s hopes. Orlando’s Ivan Angulo, having missed a glorious chance earlier, watched as his team took control heading into the break.
But the second half belonged to Inter Miami and their talisman. With the clock ticking and Miami pressing desperately, the game’s momentum shifted dramatically. Tadeo Allende was brought down in the box after a tussle with David Brekalo, and after another VAR check, a penalty was awarded. The stadium held its breath as Lionel Messi coolly slotted home the equalizer in the 77th minute, igniting the home fans and swinging the pendulum Miami’s way.
Just over ten minutes later, with Orlando reeling and down to ten men, Jordi Alba delivered a precise pass into the box. Messi, showing his trademark composure and killer instinct, found the net once more, completing his brace and turning the match on its head. The eruption inside Chase Stadium was thunderous—Messi had done it again, lifting the Herons when they needed him most.
Miami’s dominance was sealed in stoppage time. Telasco Segovia, set up by Luis Suárez, finished clinically to make it 3-1, sending the Garzas into their second Leagues Cup final in club history. The comeback was complete, and Messi’s two-goal performance earned him the MVP honors. The Argentine maestro has now tallied 41 goals and 21 assists in just 47 MLS matches, continuing his reign as the heartbeat of Miami’s attack.
For Orlando City, the defeat was bitter, especially after leading at the break and feeling aggrieved by contentious refereeing decisions. Oscar Pareja’s squad will have to regroup for the third-place match, with a spot in the CONCACAF Champions Cup still on the line. Meanwhile, Inter Miami’s dream of a second Leagues Cup trophy remains alive, as they prepare for another shot at glory.
This match wasn’t just about goals—it was about grit, resilience, and the magic of Messi under the bright Miami lights. For fans and neutrals alike, this Florida Classic delivered a night to remember, etching another chapter into the fierce rivalry between these two sides.
For more on Inter Miami’s historic run, check out the official Inter Miami CF Twitter. To relive the highlights and drama, visit the MLS match recap.