Lionel Messi played a key role in the 2025 Leagues Cup semifinal, scoring two goals to help Inter Miami advance past Orlando City. The Argentine is now on the brink of winning his third trophy with the club and could add a second Leagues Cup title to his list of achievements, having already won the 2023 edition.
Messi returned to the field after sitting out the last two matches due to injury and was instrumental in leading Inter Miami to the final, set for Sunday, August 31. The other finalist will be determined from the matchup between Seattle Sounders and LA Galaxy, which is still to be played.
With their place in the final secured, Inter Miami has also guaranteed a spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. If they win the Leagues Cup, they could directly enter the Round of 16.
This will be Messi’s third chance to win a trophy with Inter Miami. He previously impressed in the 2023 Leagues Cup final, scoring in a 1–1 draw that led to Miami winning against Nashville in penalties for their first title. His second trophy came a year later when he helped the team win the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, awarded for the most points in the regular season.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF celebrates with teammates after winning the Leagues Cup Semifinal against Orlando City. (Rich Storry/Getty Images)
Messi outshines Cristiano Ronaldo
Even after leaving Europe’s top leagues, Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo remain major figures in world soccer, and comparisons between them persist. In this light, Messi seems to be enjoying greater success in the U.S. compared to Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia.
Messi has claimed two titles with Inter Miami and has the opportunity to make it three on August 31, while Ronaldo has yet to earn an official title with Al Nassr. The only trophy Ronaldo has achieved with Al Nassr is the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup, won during his first season, but it is not officially recognized by the country’s soccer governing body.