Orlando, USA: Football legend Lionel Messi rollicked back to his once indomitable best as he racked up two goals in Inter Miami CF’s edge-of-the-seat 4–2 triumph over Orlando City SC in Major League Soccer on Sunday. The tempestuous Florida derby highlighted Miami’s resolve and Messi’s game-winning genius.
The home team raced out of the blocks, much to the delight of their fans. Orlando sped off to a 2–0 lead early on with goals from Marco Pašalić and Martín Ojeda, shocking Miami and forcing it to play catch-up.
Javier Mascherano’s side was under serious scrutiny at halftime, but the second half played out in spectacular fashion.
Inter Miami started their comeback just after the restart, when Mateo Silvetti restored hope with a crucial score early in the second half. The momentum soon turned, however, and the visitors began to take control of possession and territory.
It was then Messi took his turn on the stage. Just after the hour mark, the Argentine maestro found the equaliser, a smooth finish to draw Miami and quieten that home crowd. As the match opened up, so too did his influence.
Adding to the pressure on Orlando, Telasco Segovia got Miami’s late-game winner to complete the comeback. Segovia’s influence proved decisive, as he scored not only the go-ahead goal but helped create a pair of other goals in what would be a comeback win.
But the night clearly belonged to Messi. And deep into stoppage time, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner put a bow on it with a stunning free-kick to give him his brace and confirm the most dramatic of 4–2 wins for the Herons.
The victory was Inter Miami’s first in Major League Soccer in the 2026 season and a solid reaction after their disappointing opening-game loss. The comeback also emphasized why Messi is still the league’s biggest attraction even at this late stage of his career.
Set aside the goals; Messi’s leadership was on full display throughout the second half as Miami played with more urgency and conviction. And to shift the psychological balance of the match with his equaliser and then score that late free-kick was so typical of him in terms of composure under pressure.
The loss will sting for Orlando City. They had built a comfortable early lead before their drowsy second-half defense let Miami back into the game. The Lions now need to recover quickly to ensure similar collapses are avoided in the matches left.
As the MLS season picks up steam, Inter Miami’s sudden transformation offers an unmistakable statement to rivals: with Messi operating at this level, they are not out of contention. Lionel Messi Inter Miami comeback in Orlando will go down as yet another entry on the career-long highlight reel of clutch plays by the Argentine great.
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