ORLANDO, Fla. — Lionel Messi played a pivotal role as Inter Miami rallied for a 4-2 victory over Orlando City on Sunday night, marking their first-ever win at Inter & Co Stadium. The comeback featured four second-half goals, including two from Messi, whose performance helped secure the win for the defending MLS champion.
Messi tied the game at 2-2 in the 57th minute following an assist from defender Telasco Segovia. Later, Segovia scored on an unassisted effort in the 85th minute to give Miami the lead, while Messi sealed the victory with a decisive free kick goal in the 90th minute. This marked Messi’s first two goals of the MLS season, raising his tally to 52 goals across 55 regular-season matches, with 51 of those coming in his last 49 appearances.
Orlando City Takes Early Lead Despite Miami’s Comeback
Orlando City opened the scoring early in the game with Marco Pašalić netting a goal in the 18th minute off a pass from Iván Angulo. Pašalić extended his personal streak by scoring in four consecutive matches versus Inter Miami. Six minutes later, Griffin Dorsey supplied the assist for Martín Ojeda’s goal, which put Orlando City ahead 2-0 before halftime.
Emerging Players Contribute for Inter Miami’s Resurgence
Inter Miami began closing the gap shortly after halftime when young forward Mateo Silvetti scored his first career goal four minutes into the second half. The 20-year-old Silvetti capitalized on assists from defenders Segovia and Facundo Mura, who recorded his first assist of the season. Segovia stood out in the match with a goal and two assists, continuing his strong development after an impressive rookie season tallying eight goals and six assists.
Goalkeepers’ Performances Highlight Match Intensity
Goalkeepers from both teams made significant saves during the match. Dayne St. Clair, the reigning MLS Goalkeeper of the Year playing his second start for Inter Miami, denied three shots in the second half. Meanwhile, Maxime Crépeau also performed well with four saves in his second start for Orlando City, showcasing the level of competition between the two sides.
Discipline Issues Affect Orlando City’s Lineup
Orlando City teenager Colin Guske was sent off in the 88th minute after receiving two yellow cards in his first MLS start. The 19-year-old rookie will now miss the team’s next match due to suspension, a setback for a player gaining early experience in the league.
Historical Context and Upcoming Matches
This victory was notable for Inter Miami, who had not won in their previous nine attempts at Orlando City’s stadium and were coming off a 3-0 loss to Los Angeles FC. Orlando City has historically held a slight advantage in their rivalry, leading the all-time series 8-7-4 and sweeping Miami last season.
Looking ahead, Inter Miami will face D.C. United on Saturday, while Orlando City travels to take on New York City FC the same day, continuing their MLS campaigns.
“Messi took a pass from Segovia and scored in the 57th minute to pull Inter Miami (1-1-0) even at 2-2 and Segovia scored unassisted in the 85th for the lead.” – AP Soccer
“Segovia had eight goals and six assists as a rookie last season, while Mura collected his first assist in his first season.” – AP Soccer
“Dayne St. Clair, the reigning goalkeeper of the year, turned away three shots — all in the second half of his second start with Inter Miami.” – AP Soccer
https://twitter.com/dataref_ar/status/2028283136740606412
Golazo de Telasco Segovia para cerrar su increíble noche.
⚽️Gol
🅰️🅰️ asistenciasSu presencia fue clave para la victoria de hoy del Inter Miami frente a Orlando.🇻🇪💎pic.twitter.com/KB02vNNXIs
— 𝟕𝟏𝟎 (@710_oficial) March 2, 2026
MESSI BURIES THE FREE KICK FOR HIS BRACE! 😱 pic.twitter.com/OY2INMvrHe
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 2, 2026
FILTHY FINISH FROM TINCHO 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/ktHUKz0o7Y
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) March 2, 2026
