Messi Leads Miami Derby Comeback
Lionel Messi scored twice as Inter Miami rallied from 0-2 down to beat Orlando City 4-2 in the Florida Derby. Messi's brace included a free kick and second-half equalizer plus an assist, proving decisive for the reigning MLS Cup champions after losing their season opener. The vintage performance shows Messi's enduring match-winning influence in North America.
The victory marked Inter Miami's first-ever win at Orlando City's Inter&Co Stadium. Orlando had built a 2-0 lead in the first 24 minutes with goals from Marco Pašalić and Martín Ojeda before Miami began their comeback. The comeback for Inter Miami was initiated by a 49th-minute goal from Mateo Silvetti, with Telasco Segovia later scoring the go-ahead goal in the 85th minute, in addition to providing two assists. This win gave Inter Miami its first three points of the 2026 MLS season. This edition of the "Florida Derby," sometimes called "El Clásico del Sol," was another intense chapter in the young rivalry between the two clubs that began when Inter Miami joined MLS in 2020. Orlando City had been unbeaten at home against Inter Miami in regular season play prior to this match. Messi's brace brought his career goal total to 898, putting him on the verge of the 900-goal milestone. His performance, which also included an assist, earned him MLS Player of the Matchday honors. Following the derby win, Inter Miami will travel to face D.C. United for their next match on March 7. The team will then compete in the CONCACAF Champions Cup before returning to league play.
