'Showed once again why he’s the greatest' - Rodrigo De Paul hails Lionel Messi after Inter Miami's 3-1 win over Orlando City in Leagues Cup

Lionel Messi delivered when it mattered most, scoring twice to propel Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory over Orlando City and book a place in the Leagues Cup final. The Argentine struck in the second half - including a decisive 88th-minute goal - marking his first tallies of the tournament. Venezuelan midfielder Telasco Segovia added another to seal the result for the Herons.

After the match, teammate Rodrigo De Paul was full of praise for his compatriot, who once again placed Inter Miami on the brink of silverware. 

“Leo Messi has shown once again why he’s the greatest player in the history of this sport. He’s always decisive, just as he was at the World Cup,” De Paul said.

Messi will reach yet another milestone this weekend, stepping into his 50th final as Inter Miami face off for the Leagues Cup title. The Argentine has built an extraordinary record on such stages: 49 matches, 35 goals, and 15 assists.

Miami had to dig deep in their semifinal, especially with head coach Javier Mascherano suspended after his red card against Tigres. Trailing 1-0 at halftime, the Herons turned the game around thanks to Messi. A controversial penalty on Tadeo Allende in the 75th minute - confirmed by VAR after David Brekalo was sent off - allowed Messi to level the score from the spot.

With the man advantage, Inter seized control. Just 10 minutes later, Messi struck again with a left-footed finish inside the box, celebrating in front of his children Thiago and Mateo in the stands. Venezuelan midfielder Segovia sealed the 3-1 victory in stoppage time, sending Miami into the final with their talisman leading the way.

Chase Stadium has become the Herons’ fortress, with Inter Miami riding a 10-match unbeaten streak at home heading into Sunday’s final.

The Herons will play the final for the Leagues Cup title on Sunday against either the Seattle Sounders or LA Galaxy.