Inter Miami vs Orlando City: Florida Derby Delivers Leagues Cup 2025 Drama
In one of the most anticipated fixtures of the Leagues Cup 2025, Inter Miami vs Orlando City lived up to the hype. The semi-final clash at Chase Stadium saw Inter Miami storm back from a goal down to defeat their Florida rivals 3-1, with Lionel Messi once again proving why he's still the heartbeat of the Herons.
Leagues Cup 2025 Semi-Final: First-Half Frustration for Miami
The match began with Orlando City pressing aggressively and controlling the midfield. Their efforts paid off in the 40th minute when Marco Pasalic found the back of the net with a low-driven shot that beat Miami’s keeper at the near post.
Inter Miami looked disjointed in the first half, struggling to connect passes and break down Orlando’s compact defense. The Florida Derby was tense, physical, and filled with yellow cards, setting the stage for a fiery second half.
Lionel Messi Goals Ignite Miami Comeback
The second half belonged to Lionel Messi. In the 76th minute, Messi calmly converted a penalty after Tadeo Allende was fouled inside the box. The foul also led to a second yellow card for Orlando defender David Brekalo, reducing the visitors to ten men.
Just eleven minutes later, Messi struck again. A brilliant one-two with Jordi Alba opened up space, and Messi curled a left-footed shot into the top corner, sending Chase Stadium into a frenzy.
Telasco Segovia Adds Final Blow
As Orlando City pushed forward in desperation, Inter Miami capitalized. In the 90th minute, Luis Suárez delivered a pinpoint pass to Telasco Segovia, who slotted home the third goal with composure.
Segovia’s goal sealed the win and highlighted Miami’s depth and attacking versatility.
Florida Derby Highlights: Physical, Tactical, and Electric
The Florida Derby was more than just a semi-final—it was a battle of pride. The match featured six yellow cards and one red, with players like Messi, Busquets, Suarez, and Fray all booked for Miami. Orlando’s Araujo and Schlegel also saw yellow, underscoring the intensity of the rivalry.
The crowd at Chase Stadium was electric, with fans from both sides creating a charged atmosphere that added to the spectacle.
Chase Stadium Match Report: Key Stats
| Category | Inter Miami | Orlando City |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 57% | 43% |
| Shots on Target | 6 | 4 |
| Yellow Cards | 4 | 2 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 1 |
| Final Score | 3 | 1 |
Miami’s dominance in possession and clinical finishing in the second half proved decisive.
Tactical Brilliance from Mascherano
Head coach Javier Mascherano deserves credit for his halftime adjustments. By shifting the midfield shape and giving Messi more freedom, Miami found their rhythm. The decision to keep Suárez and Alba on the pitch despite fatigue paid off, as both veterans played key roles in the comeback.
Orlando City's Missed Opportunity
Orlando City started strong and looked poised to reach their first Leagues Cup final. Their disciplined first-half performance and early goal gave them momentum, but Brekalo’s red card changed everything.
Despite the loss, Orlando’s run to the semi-final was their best in Leagues Cup history. They’ll now regroup and focus on the upcoming MLS fixtures.
What’s Next for Inter Miami?
With this win, Inter Miami advances to the Leagues Cup 2025 final, where they’ll face either LA Galaxy or Seattle Sounders. The Herons are chasing their second Leagues Cup title in three years, and with Messi in form, they’re favorites to lift the trophy.
Miami’s journey has been marked by resilience, star power, and tactical brilliance. The final promises to be another unforgettable chapter in their evolving legacy.