Messi Sparks Explosive Inter Miami Comeback to Crush Orlando City in Fiery Rivalry Clash

Inter Miami have found their rhythm—and Lionel Messi is back in action for 2026.

Following a disappointing opening to the 2026 MLS campaign with a 3–0 defeat to LAFC, Inter Miami secured their first victory of the season in spectacular style during their second fixture on Sunday, overcoming Florida rivals Orlando City 4–2.

Orlando established an early advantage in the opening period through strikes from Marco Pašalić and Martín Ojeda in the 18th and 24th minutes, capitalizing on weak midfield play that included several crucial turnovers by Miami's Designated Player midfielder, Rodrigo De Paul.

🗣️ @OrlandoCitySC strikes first against Miami.

Iván Angulo steals it and sets up Marco Pašalić for the opener! pic.twitter.com/4tGWOVCTxc

However, the Herons refused to surrender. Not on an evening that represented Messi's inaugural away appearance in the Florida derby. From the second half kickoff, Miami controlled possession while Messi elevated his performance alongside Telasco Segovia and Mateo Silvetti, three key figures from their 2025 MLS Cup championship run.

Silvetti ignited the turnaround with a brilliant curling effort from range to beat Orlando's Maxime Crépeau in the 49th minute, before Messi found his first goal of the campaign with a strike from outside the penalty area that bypassed five defenders. As time wound down, Messi assisted Segovia for the go-ahead goal in the 85th minute, then delivered a signature free kick for the clinching score to seal the 4–2 triumph.

Classic Messi 😱

First goal of 2026 is a beauty! pic.twitter.com/5LcTqqjesM

"As I've mentioned countless times, [he is] clearly the greatest player to ever grace this sport. He's a leader," Miami coach Javier Mascherano commented after the match regarding Messi. "As a leader, it spreads to everyone."

The Moment That Defined the Match

The Moment That Defined the Match

Initially, this segment appeared destined for De Paul. During the first half, he lacked composure, choosing risky passes and forcing turnovers in crucial areas. Fortunately for him, his longtime Argentina teammate, Messi, delivered the match's defining moment.

With his team pushing for an equalizer, Messi took charge of the Herons' comeback, beginning with his right-footed shot that curved past multiple defenders, followed by his free kick to secure the result.

However, his most meaningful moment may have occurred after completing his double. Prior to taking the free kick, it became clear that an Orlando bench member had confronted Messi, following Orlando midfielder Colin Guske's dismissal with a red card for a second yellow card offense.

Lmao, Messi telling the Orlando City bench he'll sign autographs for them after the game, mid game. pic.twitter.com/uibv7Cgoz1

The confrontation didn't sit well with the 38-year-old, who approached the Orlando technical area after scoring, then gestured that he would provide autographs for those on the Orlando bench. While the Florida derby may not rival El Clásico, it was evident that Messi recognized its significance.

Inter Miami Player Ratings vs. Orlando City

Inter Miami Player Ratings vs. Orlando City

*Ratings provided by FotMob*

GK: Dayne St. Clair—6.1: After some uncertain moments in the first half during both Orlando goals, the Canada international produced several crucial saves in the second half, including an important stop on Ojeda, who had a clear opportunity following an exchange with Tyrese Spicer.

RB: Facundo Mura—6.7: In his debut MLS start, Mura found it difficult to contribute offensively and faced pressure from Iván Angulo, especially during the opening 45 minutes.

CB: Maxi Falcón—6.8: Still searching for the form he displayed at the end of 2025, Falcón allowed several attackers to go unmarked, possibly bearing responsibility for Pašalić's second goal.

CB: Micael—6.9: Micael is gradually adjusting to life with Inter Miami. The partnership with Falcón remains a work in progress, but he delivered a steady performance with six defensive actions and five recoveries.

LB: Noah Allen—6.2: The 21-year-old represented Inter Miami's vulnerability for the second consecutive week and was substituted at halftime. The Herons' most noticeable decline in 2026 has been the drop from Allen's level compared to Jordi Alba's contributions in that position during 2024 and 2025.

DM: Rodrigo De Paul—6.7: The former Atlético Madrid midfielder was anxious to create opportunities, resulting in some poor and hasty decisions in the first half, making him directly accountable for Angulo's opening goal. Nevertheless, it was encouraging to see him displaying more initiative in creative transitions.

DM: Yannick Bright—7.3: Among Miami's most reliable performers, Bright was essential in controlling the midfield during the second half and distributing the ball to the dangerous combination of Segovia and Messi.

RW: Tadeo Allende—7.4: Making his first start since scoring in the 2025 MLS Cup, Allende made a positive impression but requires more time to develop chemistry with Mura on the right side.

AM: Lionel Messi (c)—9.3: It was a vintage display from the eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient and his leadership was evident, with his winning mentality inspiring his teammates. Beyond his goals, it was an unusual standout defensive performance, featuring three recoveries and two tackles. The 2022 World Cup winner now boasts 51 goals in 55 MLS appearances—an impressive record for one of the league's senior players.

LW: Telasco Segovia—9.1: The Venezuela winger thrives during March weekends. Segovia's last three-goal contribution performance occurred on March 2, 2025, and his chemistry with Messi on Sunday enabled him to deliver one of his finest displays with the Herons.

CF: Germán Berterame—6.37: Expectations were elevated for Berterame following his arrival, but the Mexico international continues searching for his inaugural goal while adjusting to playing alongside Messi, Segovia and Allende as the supporting attacking trio.

SUB: Mateo Silvetti (45' for Allen)—7.6: After a relatively lackluster 81-minute showing against LAFC, Silvetti brought energy during his 45 minutes on Sunday, with his goal ranking among the weekend's best across MLS.

SUB: Gonzalo Luján (90' for Allende)—N/A: Luján earned his first MLS minutes of 2026 and registered seven touches in a brief defensive appearance.

Subs not used: Rocco Ríos Novo (GK), Ian Fray, Alexander Shaw, David Ruiz, Santiago Morales, Daniel Pinter.

What the Ratings Tell Us

What the Ratings Tell Us

The Numbers That Explain Miami's Epic Comeback

The Numbers That Explain Miami's Epic Comeback