Messi Rises from Injury, Inter Miami Rises from Slump

Lionel Messi once again writes a new chapter in his long career. After being plagued by an injury that forced him to miss several important MLS matches, many wondered: can Messi still return to his best level? That question was answered thoroughly when Inter Miami defeated Orlando City 3-1 in the Leagues Cup semifinals.

Messi not only returned to the field, he returned as a game-changer, a decider, and a symbol of Inter Miami’s resurgence. The hamstring injury Messi suffered a few weeks ago worried Miami supporters. Team statistics show that without Messi, Inter Miami only achieved 1 win in the last 4 matches. Miami’s attack seemed to lose direction, goal opportunities drastically decreased to an average of only 0.8 goals per game.

When his name was back in the starting line-up against Orlando, the Blush-Pink stadium seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. But the big question still hung: could Messi immediately make an impact?

Orlando Shakes, Miami Slumps

The match started tensely. Orlando City managed to score first through Marco Pasalic in the 45+1 minute, leaving Inter Miami trailing 0-1 at halftime. Pressure began to build, especially as Miami seemed to struggle to break down Orlando’s tight defense. Momentum changed drastically when Orlando lost a player due to a red card. Inter Miami immediately increased their tempo, and a golden opportunity came when the referee awarded a penalty. Messi stepped up as the executor — as usual, with his characteristic composure — and successfully equalized in the 76th minute. This goal became a turning point that ignited Miami’s spirit.

Messi Responds with a Comeback

Everything changed after the 76th minute. Messi, with full composure, executed the penalty that leveled the score. This goal was Messi’s 10th goal in the Leagues Cup this season, as well as an injection of energy into the entire team. Not stopping there, Messi scored again in the 88th minute after receiving a perfect pass from Jordi Alba. The old collaboration of the ex-Barcelona duo once again brought magic to the field. The match then closed with Telasco Segovia scoring Miami’s third goal in injury time, ensuring a dramatic 3-1 comeback victory.

More Than Just Statistics

Data can indeed explain Messi’s impact:

• Without Messi this season: 25% wins, 0.8 goals per game.
• With Messi on the field: 70% wins, 2.4 goals per game.

However, behind those numbers, there is something bigger: Messi’s aura. He not only scores goals but also transforms the team’s previously shaky mentality into a team hungry for victory. Inter Miami now advances to the Leagues Cup final, and the public believes they have a great chance of lifting the trophy. Messi proved that injury is not the end, but a brief pause before a new chapter.For Inter Miami fans, the match against Orlando was not just an ordinary victory. It was Messi’s comeback story,  from the treatment room, back to the field, and inspiring the entire team to rise.