Messi scores 'absolutely cinematic' double, Inter Miami enters spectacular Leagues Cup final

On the morning of August 28 (Vietnam time), Messi and Jordi Alba returned in time to help Inter Miami make a spectacular comeback to defeat rival Orlando City with a score of 3-1 to enter the Leagues Cup final, continuing their dream of winning the championship.

Messi speaks up when Inter Miami needs him most

The return of Messi and Jordi Alba from injury helped Inter Miami have the strongest squad to welcome their big city rival Orlando City, the opponent who won both of their previous matches in MLS this season (American professional soccer league) with scores of 3-0 and 4-1.

However, despite having top players playing, the team chaired by David Beckham still seems to be "underdog" and is under a lot of pressure from its extremely tough city rival.

Messi speaks up when Inter Miami needs him most

Photo: Reuters

In the first half, Messi helped Inter Miami play sharply in attack. However, many scoring opportunities were continuously missed, in which veteran striker Suarez was the one who missed the most. Besides, it must be said that Messi has just returned from injury, so he has not found his best feeling yet.

At the end of the first half, Inter Miami's loose defense made another mistake, led by center-back Maximiliano Falcon, revealing too much instability. Thanks to that, striker Marco Pasalic took advantage of the opportunity to shockingly score the opening goal 1-0 for Orlando City in the 45+1 minute.

Conceding a stunning goal, Inter Miami entered the second half under great pressure as they faced a third consecutive loss to their rival Orlando City. However, in the most critical moment, Messi was able to speak up, scoring a double and a goal from Telasco Segovia in the 90+1 minute, helping Inter Miami turn the tables spectacularly in just the last 15 minutes of the match.

This was also the 15 minutes when Messi really found himself again, he played extremely well, helping Inter Miami's attack continuously put pressure on Orlando City's defense. Thanks to that, in the 75th minute, Orlando City defender David Brekalo received a second yellow card and had to leave the field for a confused foul on an Inter Miami player in the penalty area.

From the 11m mark, Messi received an important penalty kick for the first time this season. He executed it extremely accurately and perfectly, scoring to help Inter Miami tie the score 1-1.

Messi helps Inter Miami make a dramatic comeback to reach the Leagues Cup final

Photo: Reuters

This was also the turning point of the match. In the 88th minute, Messi and his teammates made a beautiful arrangement as if they were in an empty space, scoring an important goal to take the lead against their fateful opponent.

Jordi Alba was the one who made the pass to Messi in the penalty area to shoot a dangerous shot to increase the score to 2-1. This goal sank all hopes of Orlando City. In the extra minute, substitute striker Segovia scored the goal to seal the 3-1 victory for Inter Miami.

With the victory thanks to Messi's timely return, Inter Miami has reached the Leagues Cup final for the second time in history (to meet LA Galaxy or Seattle Sounders FC on August 31).

In 2023, Messi himself shone brightly to help Inter Miami win the championship for the first time in history. This year, this famous player has the opportunity to bring home the 2nd Leagues Cup championship, and the 3rd in the young history of the team. The remaining title is the MLS Supporters' Shield championship in 2024.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/messi-lap-cu-dup-tuyet-doi-dien-anh-inter-miami-vao-chung-ket-leagues-cup-ngoan-muc-185250828101718891.htm