In a dramatic turn of events that captivated the soccer world, Inter Miami CF staged a remarkable comeback victory against rivals Orlando City SC, advancing in the inaugural expanded Leagues Cup tournament. The 3-1 triumph on August 2, 2023, at DRV PNK Stadium was a testament to the team’s evolving resilience and the unparalleled impact of its superstar acquisitions, most notably Lionel Messi.
This pivotal Round of 32 clash in the Leagues Cup, a competition that saw all clubs from Major League Soccer (MLS) and Mexico’s Liga MX unite for a month-long spectacle, was more than just a match; it was a statement. Inter Miami, having endured a challenging start to their MLS campaign and grappling with an 11-match winless streak prior to the tournament break, found themselves at a crossroads. The addition of global icons Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba in the preceding weeks had injected a new sense of hope and ambition into the club, and this game would be a true test of that burgeoning potential.
A Fiery Florida Derby with High Stakes
The air in Fort Lauderdale crackled with anticipation for the Florida Derby, a regional rivalry that took on added significance given the tournament’s knockout format. Orlando City SC, who had enjoyed a successful MLS season and managed to defeat Inter Miami twice in their earlier league encounters by a combined 7-1 scoreline, arrived with a psychological edge. The match, initially slated for an 8 p.m. ET kickoff, faced a significant weather delay, pushing the start time to 9:35 p.m. ET, adding another layer of drama to an already charged atmosphere.
Despite the delay, Orlando City started strongly, taking the lead in the 7th minute. César Araújo, capitalizing on a rebound from a shot saved by Inter Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender, found the back of the net to put the Lions ahead. This early goal, coming off a corner won by Mauricio Pereyra, threatened to derail Miami’s momentum and continue Orlando’s dominance over their intrastate rivals.
Messi’s Magic Ignites the Comeback
However, the narrative of the match, and indeed for Inter Miami’s season, began to shift dramatically with the presence of Lionel Messi. Returning from a minor thigh injury that had sidelined him for two matches, Messi demonstrated why he is considered the greatest of all time. In the 17th minute, he opened the scoring for Inter Miami, latching onto a perfectly weighted lob from Robert Taylor outside the box and slotting it home to equalize.
The first half concluded with the teams level at 1-1, setting the stage for a tense second half. The crucial turning point arrived in the 51st minute when Inter Miami was awarded a penalty. Miami’s veteran striker, Josef Martínez, calmly converted the spot-kick, sending goalkeeper Pedro Gallese the wrong way to give Inter Miami a 2-1 lead. This goal, born from a foul on Tadeo Allende in the box that also resulted in Orlando’s David Brekalo receiving a second yellow card and expulsion, shifted the balance decisively.
Messi, feeling more comfortable as the game progressed, sealed the victory and cemented his heroic return in the 72nd minute. He combined brilliantly with Josef Martínez, who turned provider, chipping the ball back to Messi just outside the six-yard box for an emphatic finish. This brace not only put Inter Miami up 3-1 but also marked Messi’s fifth goal in his first three Leagues Cup appearances, underscoring his immediate and profound impact.
Resilience, Tactics, and a Glimpse of Glory
The win was not solely about individual brilliance, however. Under the guidance of head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino, Inter Miami displayed the grit and determination that had been developing since his arrival in June 2023. Martino, a seasoned tactician, had successfully integrated world-class talent with the existing squad, fostering a collective spirit that allowed players to step up in critical moments. The team’s ability to absorb pressure, respond to adversity, and execute crucial plays, particularly in the second half, showcased significant growth.
This victory was a watershed moment for Inter Miami. It not only propelled them further into the Leagues Cup knockout stages – a journey that would ultimately culminate in the club’s first-ever trophy with a victory over Nashville SC in the final – but also served as a powerful signal of their resurgence. Beyond the immediate tournament success, the win secured Inter Miami CF a coveted berth in the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup, marking their debut on the continental stage and further solidifying this period as a transformative chapter for the club.
For fans of Miami sports, this match provided an unforgettable display of skill, drama, and sheer willpower. The comeback against Orlando City SC in the Leagues Cup was more than just a win; it was a definitive statement of intent, a harbinger of the success to come, and a thrilling piece of sports news that resonated throughout the league and beyond. The victory underscored the team’s newfound identity: one capable of overcoming challenges and achieving greatness, fueled by the magic of Lionel Messi and the strategic acumen of Tata Martino.
