Aug. 28 (UPI) -- Lionel Messi seared an 88th-minute strike for a go-ahead score to lead an Inter Miami rally over Orlando City, guiding the Herons to the Leagues Cup finale.
Messi, who played for just the second time in two weeks after dealing with a hamstring issue, also scored the game-tying goal with a minute penalty shot in the 3-1 triumph Wednesday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Midfielder Telasco Segovia scored the Herons' final goal.
"I wanted to play," Messi said on the MLS Season Pass broadcast. "Ever since I came back against the Galaxy, I felt discomfort there and didn't feel comfortable. I prepared myself to play this game because I knew how important it was.
"The opponent, it's a difficult opponent that had beaten us twice this season."
Messi and the Herons held a 55.3% to 44.7% edge in possession and 14-11 advantage in shots. They also totaled 542 passes, compared to 381 for their in-state foes.
