New Delhi, August 28 (HS): Inter Miami stormed into the final of the 2025 Leagues Cup after clinching a commanding 3-1 victory over Florida rivals Orlando City in Thursday’s semifinal clash at Chase Stadium (Indian time).

Star forward Lionel Messi marked his emphatic return with two second-half goals, overturning a first-half deficit and igniting Miami’s charge to victory. Telasco Segovia sealed the result in stoppage time, ensuring Miami’s passage to the August 31 final, where they will face either LA Galaxy or Seattle Sounders. The triumph also secured Miami’s berth in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup.

Orlando initially struck just before the break through Marko Pasalic, but the momentum swung dramatically after the interval. In the 77th minute, Orlando captain David Brekalo’s red card conceded a penalty, which Messi coolly dispatched to level the score. Eleven minutes later, Messi struck again, combining with longtime teammate Jordi Alba to put Miami ahead to the delight of an ecstatic home crowd.

Segovia then delivered the exclamation point in the 91st minute, slotting home after a slick one-two with Luis Suárez to wrap up Miami’s triumph.

Orlando City will now contest the third-place playoff on August 31 against either LA Galaxy or Seattle, with a spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup still at stake.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar