Inter Miami vs Orlando City: Lionel Messi returned in style, scoring twice as Inter Miami beat Orlando City 3-1 on Thursday to secure a spot in the Leagues Cup Final. Let’s dive into the key highlights of this thriller game:
Inter Miami vs Orlando City: Key Highlights
- Messi was playing for the second time in two weeks after dealing with a hamstring setback. Orlando took the lead just before halftime through Marco Pasalic, with the goal standing after a VAR check for handball.
- In the second half, Messi equalised in the 77th minute with a penalty after Tadeo Allende was fouled inside the box.
- Messi struck again in the 88th, linking up with Jordi Alba to give Miami the lead. The win was sealed soon after when Telasco Segovia exchanged passes with Luis Suárez before scoring the third.
- The match witnessed issuing of nine yellow cards and a red card which was shown to Orlando defender David Brekalo.
For Miami, the victory brought them within reach of another title. The team previously lifted the Leagues Cup trophy in 2022. Head coach Javier Mascherano missed the semifinal while serving a red card suspension, leaving assistant coach Javier Morales to lead the side. “We are always excited to win and now we have an opportunity to take home a trophy,” Morales said post the match.
Orlando coach visibly frustrated
Orlando coach Oscar Pareja expressed frustration over the officiating, particularly Brekalo’s first yellow card, which he felt unfairly hurt his team and changed the flow of the game.
“Brekalo’s yellow card was unbelievable. He doesn’t even touch the player,” Pareja said, adding, “this affects a team and affects the players to where the game becomes very difficult.”