Inter Miami rallied from a two-goal deficit to claim their opening MLS win of the season, defeating Orlando City 4-2 in a thrilling all-Florida showdown at Inter&Co Stadium.
After a rough 3-0 defeat at Los Angeles FC in their season opener, Javier Mascherano’s side looked on course for another setback as Orlando raced into a 2-0 lead before the break.
Marco Pasalic and Martin Ojeda struck within six minutes to put the hosts in command.
The tide turned immediately after halftime when substitute Mateo Silvetti unleashed a stunning long-range strike, reigniting Miami’s hopes in the 49th minute.
From there, the spotlight turned to eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi.
Messi produced a moment of magic, finding space at the edge of the box to fire a sublime finish through a crowded penalty area.
Telasco Segovia then put Miami ahead, and Messi sealed the win with a trademark free-kick in the 90th minute, moments after Colin Guske was sent off for a second yellow card.
After his second goal, Messi humorously offered his autograph to Orlando coach Oscar Pareja.
The Argentine maestro now has eight goals in five career games against Orlando, scoring doubles in four of those encounters.
This adds Orlando to the list of 36 clubs, eight of them in MLS, against which Messi has scored more goals than the number of matches played.
In terms of numbers, Messi was Miami’s driving force, accounting for 1.36 of the team’s 1.79 expected goals.
He registered eight shots, four more than anyone else on the pitch, with half on target, and led in key stats including chances created, duels (11), and duels won (six, tied with Braian Ojeda and Tadeo Allende).
Inter Miami’s comeback not only earned them three points but also showcased Messi’s enduring brilliance in the MLS spotlight.
