Lionel Messi has spectacularly started 2026. In just his second game of the year, the Inter Miami star striker scored twice and led his team to a thrilling 4-2 comeback victory over Orlando City, earning their first three points of the season.
Orlando City dominated the first half, with Marco Pasalic scoring in the 18th minute and Martin Ojeda adding another in the 24th. At that point, the Lions looked poised for an easy afternoon at Inter&Co Stadium.
Meanwhile, the Herons struggled to break through Maxime Crépeau's goal, while their defense had difficulty containing Ojeda and Duncan McGuire.
But Messi's brilliance emerged in the second half, capped by a stunning free kick that sealed the win and delivered Inter Miami’s first victory of the year.
Messi sparks the comeback
Mateo Silvetti ignited the rally with a spectacular long-range strike in the 49th minute, assisted by Telasco Segovia. From that moment, Inter seized control of the match.
Eight minutes later, Messi struck his first goal of 2026. After a quick exchange of passes on the edge of the penalty area, Segovia set him up. Messi controlled the ball and fired past five defenders to beat Crépeau.
In the 86th minute, Segovia gave Inter the lead. The play began with Germán Berterame, who passed to Messi. The Argentine then laid it off for Segovia, who blasted home from the penalty spot to make it 3-2.
Messi sealed the victory in the 90th minute with a trademark free kick. The shot bent beautifully into the corner of the net, leaving Crépeau helpless and capping a dramatic comeback.
What's next for Messi and Inter Miami?
The win provided much-needed relief after Inter Miami's 3-0 loss to LAFC in their season opener. Despite the victory, they currently sit seventh in the Eastern Conference with three points.
Next Sunday, Messi and his teammates will look to climb the standings when they face D.C. United at M&T Bank Stadium, where they enter as favorites.
Goals from the match:
- Orlando City: Marco Pasalic (18′), Martin Ojeda (24′)
- Inter Miami: Mateo Silvetti (49′), Lionel Messi (57′, 90′), Telasco Segovia (86′)
