Lionel Messi struck twice on his return as Inter Miami beat Orlando City 3-1 on Wednesday night to book a place in the Leagues Cup final.
Inter Miami will now travel to face either LA Galaxy or Seattle Sounders in Sunday’s title decider.
Messi, back in action for the second time in two weeks after a hamstring setback, played a decisive role in turning the game around.
Orlando went ahead late in the first half when Marco Pašalić found the net, with the goal standing after a VAR check for handball.
Messi equalized in the 77th minute, converting a penalty after Tadeo Allende was brought down in the box. Eleven minutes later, he combined neatly with Jordi Alba to fire Miami into the lead.
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Telasco Segovia then linked up with Luis Suárez before sealing the win with a finish that mirrored Messi’s earlier strike.
The tense semifinal produced nine yellow cards and a red for Orlando defender David Brekalo.
Miami are aiming for another Leagues Cup trophy after winning the competition in 2022.
Source: Agency