Lionel Messi's brace secured Inter Miami a 3-1 win over Orlando City

Lionel Messi continues his impressive performance with Inter Miami. The 36-year-old Messi scored two goals in Inter Miami's 3-1 win over Orlando City in the 2023 Leagues Cup, Thursday (3/8/2023). In the match that was held at the DRV PNK Stadium, titled the Florida Derby, Inter Miami and Orlando City drew 1-1 until the game entered the halftime break. The Herons scored two goals in the second half and later claimed 3-1, ensuring passage to the round of 16 to face FC Dallas. The game has only been running for seven minutes, but Messi has managed to bring Inter Miami ahead. Receiving Robert Taylor's gastric bait, the 7-time Ballon d'Or controlled the ball with his chest and then fired a volley from close range.

Orlando City was able to equalize thanks to Cssar Araujo's goal in the 17th minute. Though the 1-1 draw did not change until the first half ended. Five minutes into the second half, Inter Miami received a penalty. Instead of Messi, Josef Martinez stepped forward to become the executioner. He also successfully beat the opponent's goalkeeper, bringing Miami back to the lead. In the 72nd minute, Argentina's WC winner again listed his name on the scoreboard. Receiving Martinez's brilliant assist, La Pulga easily found the net against Orlando City. Before the fight was over, in the 90+9 minute to be precise, Araujo managed to break into Miami's goal again. However, this goal was disallowed for offside. The 3-1 score was the final result of this match.

Inter Miami: Drake Callender; DeAndre Yedlin, Sergey Krivtsov, Kamal Miller, Noah Allen; Dixon Arroyo, Sergio Busquets, Benjamin Cremaschi; Lionel Messi, Josef Martinez, Robert Taylor.

Coach: Gerardo Tata Martino.

Orlando City: Pedro Gallese; Kyle Smith, Antonio Carlos, Robin Jansson, Rafael Santos; Cesar Araujo, Wilder Cartagena; Facundo Torres, Mauricio Pereyra, Ivan Angulo; Duncan McGuire.

Coach: Oscar Pareja.