Messi Magic Propels Inter Miami to Comeback Victory Over Orlando City

Reigning MLS champions Inter Miami secured a thrilling 4-2 victory over Orlando City on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Inter&Co Stadium, fueled by a stellar performance from Lionel Messi. The win marked the first time Inter Miami had won at Orlando City’s home stadium.

First-Half Struggles, Second-Half Surge

Inter Miami faced a challenging first half, falling behind 2-0. Although, the team mounted an impressive comeback in the second half, sparked by a goal from Mateo Silvetti just four minutes after the restart. Messi then took control, scoring the equalizer in the 57th minute to level the score at 2-2.

Messi’s Decisive Impact

Messi’s influence didn’t stop there. He assisted Telasco Segovia in the 85th minute, giving Inter Miami the lead. To cap off a remarkable performance, Messi sealed the victory with a stunning free kick in the 90th minute, extending the lead to 4-2.

Key Moments and Game Details

The game saw a red card issued to Orlando City’s Colin Guske after receiving a second yellow card, setting the stage for Messi’s decisive free kick. Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano strategically substituted Mateo Silvetti at halftime, a move that immediately paid dividends with Silvetti’s opening goal of the 2026 MLS season.

Team Standings and Future Outlook

Orlando City has now lost its first two games of the 2026 season, while Inter Miami salvaged three points from its opening two matches after previously losing 3-0 to Los Angeles FC. Inter Miami will play four consecutive road games before inaugurating its new stadium, Miami Freedom Park, on April 4.

Match Highlights

Highlights of the match, including Messi’s goals and the game-winning free kick, are available on FOX Soccer and MLSsoccer.com. USA Today provided live updates and analysis throughout the match. A discussion of the game can also be found on Reddit’s r/MLS forum.