Messi’s Last-Minute Magic Sends Inter Miami to MLS Cup Final

Inter Miami’s star forward Lionel Messi scored two goals and provided an assist in the final 15 minutes to secure his team’s place in the MLS Cup final. Miami defeated Orlando City 3-1 despite being down to 10 men, setting up a showdown with the Seattle Sounders in the final.

After missing two matches due to a right thigh injury, Messi scored a penalty in the 77th minute to level the match at 1-1. Then in the 88th minute, he combined with Jordi Alba to give the home team the lead. During stoppage time, Telasco Segovia added a third goal to solidify Miami’s path to the final.

Inter Miami assistant coach Javier Morales said, “There are no words to describe Messi. He had only practiced for two or three days and then played 90 minutes. He created situations in the game that allowed opportunities to score.”

Messi himself admitted, “I was a bit nervous in the first half, but in the second half, I played more freely. It was a very important match because we were facing a tough opponent who had beaten us in both matches earlier this year.”

The Seattle Sounders, who defeated Los Angeles Galaxy 2-0, will face Inter Miami in the MLS Cup final on Sunday. Pedro de la Vega and Osaze Rosario scored for the Sounders to secure their victory.