Lionel Messi Scores Twice, Wows Fans as Inter Miami Clinch Berth in Leagues Cup Final

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami have clinched a Leagues Cup Final berth after downing Orlando City SC 3-1 on Wednesday.

Messi led the way for his squad with two goals, both of which came in the clutch moments of Wednesday's match. He scored the equalizer in the 77th minute before putting Inter Miami up 2-1 in the 88th minute.

Telasco Segovia gave Inter Miami its third goal in extra time off an assist from Luis Suárez.

Fans hyped up the soccer legend after his outstanding performance in the win.

Before Messi's arrival, Inter Miami hadn't finished better than 12th in the MLS in its first three seasons as a franchise. His arrival quickly established the club as contenders, as he led them to their first Leagues Cup final in 2023, though they came up short against Orlando City.

Last season, Inter Miami finished atop the MLS standings but exited in the first round of the playoffs. The club also reached the quarterfinal of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

Now, Messi has Inter Miami knocking on the door of their first Leagues Cup title.

Messi, 38, has made 17 starts this season, logging 19 goals and 11 assists. The veteran has been dealing with a hamstring injury for much of the last month, missing Inter Miami's quarterfinal matchup against Tigres UANL on Aug. 20.

He showed up in a big moment on Wednesday and appeared unaffected by his hamstring injury.

Messi and Inter Miami will look to claim the Leagues Cup trophy against either the Los Angeles Galaxy or Seattle Sounders.