Inter Miami vs. Orlando City: Lionel Messi's Double Goals Secure 3-1 Lead in Leagues Cup Match

Messi continues to dominate in Major League Soccer, scoring two goals in Inter Miami's Leagues Cup match against Orlando City SC.

Messi's incredible performance in Major League Soccer continued on Wednesday night as he showcased his dominance once again. In just seven minutes into the Leagues Cup match between Inter Miami and Orlando City SC, Messi secured his fourth goal with the club. He didn't stop there, adding another goal in the late stages of the second half.

The game faced a rain delay of approximately 90 minutes at DVR PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. However, as soon as the game resumed, Messi wasted no time in making an impact. In the seventh minute, he received a perfectly placed pass from Robert Taylor in the center of the box. With remarkable control, he chested the ball before effortlessly finding the back of the net, marking his fourth goal in an Inter Miami jersey.

Despite Messi's impressive goal, the lead didn't last long. Orlando's César Araújo scored the equalizer in the 16th minute after a deflection in the box. Shortly after, Messi received his first yellow card with Miami for a tackle on Wilder Cartagena.

In the first half, Messi came close to scoring another goal but narrowly missed the shot on goal. He also had a free kick denied by Orlando goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, adding to the intensity between the two clubs just before halftime. The first half concluded with a 1-1 tie.

Miami took the lead just minutes into the second half when Antônio Carlos fouled Josef Martínez inside the box. Martínez confidently converted the penalty kick, putting Miami back in the lead at 2-1.

Messi continued to shine and secured his second goal of the night in the 71st minute, essentially sealing the victory for Miami. Once again, Robert Taylor delivered an impeccable pass to Martínez, who quickly set up Messi for the goal.

Since joining Miami less than a month ago, Messi has already scored five goals. He made a memorable debut with the club, scoring a game-winner in stoppage time against Cruz Azul in their first Leagues Cup game. He then impressed with two goals in just 22 minutes against Atlanta United last week. As of now, Messi is the leading goalscorer in the Leagues Cup.

Miami's previous victories secured their spot in the knockout round of the Leagues Cup, leading to their match against Orlando on Wednesday. Orlando City advanced to the knockout stage after defeating the Houston Dynamo on penalty kicks and then overcoming Santos Laguna. The winner of the match between Miami and Orlando will progress to the Round of 16, where they will face either FC Dallas or Mazatlán FC. The Leagues Cup match is scheduled for Wednesday night.

Stay updated on all the thrilling action between Inter Miami and Orlando City with Yahoo Sports.

Share With Others