"I wanted to play this match. Being here was very important because Orlando City is a tough opponent who has beaten us in our last two meetings," Messi said after the match at Lockhart Stadium.

Messi missed the previous two matches, including the 2-1 quarter-final win over Tigres UANL. He had only played 45 minutes in his last five games, coming on as a substitute and scoring a long-range goal, then assisting the final goal in Inter Miami's 3-1 victory over LA Galaxy in the 27th round of the MLS.

Lionel Messi celebrates his equalizing goal during Inter Miami's 3-1 victory over Orlando City in the Leagues Cup 2025 semi-final at Lockhart Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, 27/8. _Photo: Reuters_

Despite not being at peak fitness, Messi shone with a brace, propelling Inter Miami to a 3-1 win against Orlando City in the Leagues Cup semi-final. Inter Miami will face Seattle Sounders, who defeated LA Galaxy 2-0 in the other semi-final, in the final at Lumen Field, Washington, at 7 a.m. Hanoi time on 1/9.

"I felt a little uncomfortable, not quite right, before the LA Galaxy match, but I still wanted to play. Today, I played with a bit of apprehension in the first half, but gradually felt more comfortable," Messi explained.

Coach Javier Mascherano, who was suspended for the Orlando City game, praised his fellow countryman. "With Messi, words are not enough," he expressed. "Messi barely trained beforehand, then played the full 90 minutes. It's a privilege for us and the fans to witness him score."

Assistant coach Javier Morales, who led Inter Miami in the semi-final in Mascherano's absence, emphasized Messi's influence beyond the pitch. "He's a leader both on and off the field. We learn from Messi not just about football, but also about leadership," he said.

After the Leagues Cup final, Messi will join the Argentina national team for their final two World Cup 2026 qualifiers in South America: hosting Venezuela on 5/9 and visiting Ecuador on 10/9. The reigning world champions will then play two friendlies in South Korea and Japan in November, a friendly in Singapore, and the Intercontinental Super Cup against Spain at an undetermined location in Europe in 3/2025.

In 6/2026, Argentina will participate in the World Cup hosted by Canada, the USA, and Mexico. After this tournament, Messi is likely to retire from international duty. Therefore, the match against Venezuela could be the last time fans see the 38-year-old play at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.

When asked about this, Messi said, "It will be a very special match because it's the last qualifier. I don't know if there will be a friendly or more matches after that, but it will be very special. That's why my family will be there to watch."

_Compiled by Hong Duy_