Finale on Sunday against Seattle
© Imago
Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to the final of the North American League Cup. Against Orlando City, the Argentine world champion made the game with two goals in the final phase and Miami won 3: 1 (0: 1).
After the tour for Orlando by Marco Pašalić (45.+1) shortly before the break, Messi (77th) equalized with a penalty before Miami (88.) brought eight -time world footballers eleven minutes later. Telasco Segovia (90.+1) then ensured the final score. Orlando played outnumbered after a red card against David Brekalo from the 75th minute.
In the final on Sunday, Messi and Co. meet Seattle Sounders, who prevailed 2-0 (1-0) against the MLS Cup winner Los Angeles Galaxy with ex-Dortmund Marco Reus in the second semi-final. Pedro de la Vega (7th) brought Seattle early before Osaze de Rosario added in the second half (57th). Shortly before the end, Nouuhou (83.) also saw the red card.
Messi won the Leagues Cup for Miami in 2023 in his first season. Most recently, the 38-year-old had missed two games because of a muscle injury in his thigh. “The truth is that I was still a little scared in the first half, but I was a little looser in the second half,” said Messi after the final whistle. “But I wanted to be there. I prepared for this game because I knew how important it was. The opponent was very strong, he hit us in both MLS games this year.”