Messi Shines as Miami Completes Comeback Against Orlando

Following Inter Miami’s advancement to the Leagues Cup final, Rodrigo De Paul, Lionel Messi’s teammate, lauded the Argentine star, according to various reports on Thursday.

Messi played a pivotal role, netting two goals in Miami’s 3-1 turnaround victory over Orlando City on Wednesday.

After a period of absence due to injury, the Argentine maestro returned to the starting lineup, delivering an impressive performance in his comeback appearance.

Orlando City initially gained an advantage in the 46th minute, with a goal from Marco Pasalic, the team’s standout performer.

The match shifted when Orlando faced a setback, reduced to 10 players, paving the way for Miami’s resurgence. In the 74th minute, Miami’s Tadeo Allende secured a penalty after advancing past David Brekalo.

Referee Walter Lopez determined that Brekalo had impeded Allende, issuing a second yellow card and sending him off, despite Pedro Gallese’s save of the header.

Messi converted the penalty in the 77th minute, leveling the score. He then added another spectacular goal in the 88th minute, giving Miami a crucial lead.

Miami is set to face Seattle Sounders in the final on Sunday, marking their second final appearance in three years, with Elasco Segovia’s third goal solidifying their semi-final victory.

In a subsequent interview, Inter Miami teammate and fellow countryman De Paul hailed Messi as the greatest player ever, referencing the FIFA World Cup 2022.

“Leo Messi has demonstrated once more why he is the best player in the history of the game. He consistently makes a difference, as evidenced during the World Cup,” De Paul stated.