Inter Miami 3-1 Orlando City: Lionel Messi makes "scared" admission after sealing Leagues Cup final spot with match-winning display

Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has admitted he was initially "scared" on his injury return in Wednesday's semi-final victory over Orlando City in the Leagues Cup. 

The Argentina international missed two matches at the start of August with a hamstring injury, including a heavy 4-1 defeat to the same opposition in MLS. 

Messi returned for the meeting with LA Galaxy, but he was then forced to sit out two more games after suffering an injury setback.

The 38-year-old made his second return of the month in Wednesday's Leagues Cup meeting with Orlando, playing the full duration of the club's 3-1 success at Chase Stadium.

Javier Mascherano's side appeared to be heading towards a semi-final exit after Orlando's Marco Pasalic found the breakthrough in first-half stoppage.

NUESTRO CAPITÁN NO FALLA DESDE EL PUNTO PENAL ? pic.twitter.com/LUMRM9LetH

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 28, 2025

Messi makes "scared" admission following Leagues Cup semi-final

However, Inter Miami were presented with the chance to spark a late turnaround when David Brekalo was penalised for a foul on Tadeo Allende, leading to a penalty and a second yellow for the Orlando defender. 

Messi calmly dispatched the spot kick before he drove home his second goal in the 88th minute after neatly linking up with Jordi Alba.

There was still time for Telasco Segovia to add a third in stoppage time, making sure of Inter Miami's passage to the Leagues Cup final.

Despite producing a match-winning display, Messi admitted that he made a cautious start to the match because of his recent injury struggles.

“I wanted to be here. Against the LA Galaxy, I felt uncomfortable, but I knew how important this rival was," Messi told Apple TV after the match. 

"I prepared for it. In the first half, I felt scared, but little by little, I loosened up."

QUE GOLAZOOOOO ?✨ pic.twitter.com/L2MDmoxSSR

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 28, 2025

Who will Inter Miami face in Leagues Cup final?

As a result of Wednesday's brace, Messi has taken his tally to 27 goals in 33 competitive appearances during the 2025 season. 

Inter Miami will quickly turn their focus to the Leagues Cup final, with the Herons looking to win the competition for the second time after lifting the trophy in 2023.

The final will travel to Lumen Field for Sunday's showdown with Seattle Sounders, who sealed their spot in the final with a 2-0 win over LA Galaxy.