Lionel Messi Faces Down Fear in Stunning Push That Propels Inter Miami to Final Showdown

There’s something truly electrifying about a comeback story, especially when it’s written by none other than Lionel Messi, who, despite wrestling with a nagging hamstring strain, stepped onto the pitch with nerves jangling but unbeaten spirit. Inter Miami’s late surge to a 3-1 victory over Orlando City wasn’t just a win—it was Messi facing down that initial fear, shaking off the rust from weeks sidelined, and reminding us all why he’s a titan of the game. Watching him play the full 90 minutes, linking up seamlessly with former Barça mate Jordi Alba and sealing the deal against their Floridian foes, felt like witnessing magic rekindled under the bright MLS lights. The stakes couldn’t be higher as Miami now gears up for a showdown with the Seattle Sounders, and you can bet Messi’s journey through doubt to dominance is at the heart of it all. LEARN MORE

Lionel Messi overcame feeling “scared’ to inspire Inter Miami to a 3-1 win over Orlando City and a place in the Leagues Cup final.

Messi has been struggling with a hamstring strain for several weeks and having played against the LA Galaxy on August 16 was then ruled out for the next two games.

He returned last night in spectacular fashion, playing the full 90 minutes as Miami left it late to see off their Floridian rivals and set up a final clash against the Seattle Sounders on Sunday.

Pasalic puts Orlando ahead

Orlando went ahead in first-half stoppage time when Marco Pasalic capitalised on a fortunate rebound in the box to fire past home goalkeeper Oscar Ustari.

The game changed on a controversial call from referee Walter Lopez with 13 minutes to go. Lopez adjudged Orlando defender David Brekalo to have pulled back Tadeo Allende as he jumped for a header inside the box.

Brekalo was shown a second yellow card and the subsequent red and Messi made no mistake from the spot, finding the bottom right-hand corner.

The Argentina captain made it 2-1 after 88 minutes, playing a delightful one-two with former Barcelona team-mate Jordi Alba before drilling into the net.

The game was capped by a near carbon-copy of Messi’s second as Telasco Segovia and Luis Suarez combined for the former to finish coolly.

I was scared – Messi

Messi admitted afterwards he was relieved to have got through the game with no ill-effects and that his injury had been preying on his mind early in the game.

He told AppleTV: “I wanted to be here. Against the LA Galaxy, I felt uncomfortable, but I knew how important this rival was. I prepared for it. In the first half, I felt scared, but little by little I loosened up.”

With head coach Javier Mascherano serving a touchline, and therefore, media ban, it was left to his assistant Javier Morales to eulogise about Messi.

“We are at a loss for words when it comes to discussing Leo,” he said.

“He trained only two or three days and then he played 90 minutes and the way he played, created situations, scoring goals. There is nothing more to say. For us, and for the fans, it’s a privilege to have him on our team.”

Parejo furious at Brekalo red card

Orlando can count themselves a touch unfortunate and boss Oscar Pareja felt the sending off of Brekalo had changed the game.

“Brekalo’s (first) yellow card was unbelievable. He doesn’t even touch the player [Rodrigo De Paul],” said Parejo.

“So this affects a team and affects the players to where the game becomes very difficult.”