Messi Powers Miami Comeback
Lionel Messi scored twice to lead Inter Miami's thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Orlando City after trailing 2-1 at halftime. The Argentine superstar's late match-winner sealed what's being called one of the most exciting early-season contests in MLS. YouTube highlights show Miami actually destroyed Orlando 4-2, with Messi's brace driving both on-field results and massive fan engagement.
This victory marked Inter Miami's first-ever league win at Orlando's home ground, Inter&Co Stadium, ending a long-standing struggle against their intrastate rivals on the road. The match was a crucial early-season test for the defending MLS Cup champions, who were looking to bounce back after a disappointing 3-0 loss to LAFC in their 2026 season opener. Orlando City stormed to an early 2-0 lead in the "Florida Derby" with goals from Marco Pašalić and Martín Ojeda in the 18th and 24th minutes, respectively. For Pašalić, it was his fourth consecutive match scoring against Inter Miami. The home side looked firmly in control at halftime, having capitalized on Miami's defensive issues. The comeback was ignited by a tactical substitution at halftime by Miami coach Javier Mascherano, who brought on Mateo Silvetti for defender Noah Allen. Silvetti scored just four minutes into the second half with a powerful strike from outside the box, his first career goal, which dramatically shifted the match's momentum. Midfielder Telasco Segovia was a key architect in the turnaround, providing the assist for Messi's equalizer and later scoring the go-ahead goal himself in the 85th minute. Messi's second goal, a 90th-minute free-kick, sealed the 4-2 victory after Orlando's Colin Guske was sent off with a second yellow card for a foul on the Argentine. This win gave Inter Miami their first three points of the 2026 MLS season. Historically, the "Florida Derby" has been a competitive affair; across all competitions, Inter Miami now holds a slight edge with eight wins to Orlando's six, with four matches ending in a draw. Messi himself has an impressive record against the Lions, now with eight goals in five career meetings.
