ORLANDO, Fla. – Lionel Messi opened his scoring account for the 2026 Major League Soccer season with a brace, leading Inter Miami to a thrilling 4-2 comeback victory over Orlando City SC on Sunday night at Inter&Co Stadium. The Herons, down 2-0 at halftime, scored four unanswered goals to secure their first win of the campaign and silence a boisterous home crowd.
The match marked a significant turning point for Inter Miami, who struggled to uncover their rhythm in the first half. Orlando City, historically a difficult opponent for Messi and Inter Miami – having won one of the last five meetings between the two sides – capitalized on early opportunities through goals from Marco Pasalic and Martin Ojeda. The first 45 minutes saw frustration mount for the visitors, with players like Rodrigo De Paul visibly expressing their discontent.
However, a tactical shift at halftime, orchestrated by Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano, proved pivotal. Mascherano brought on Mateo Silvetti in place of Noah Allen, altering the team’s formation to a back three with Yannick Bright shifting to center back. This adjustment immediately paid dividends, injecting new energy and attacking impetus into the Herons.
Silvetti quickly made his presence felt, scoring a stunning goal from outside the box just after the restart. This sparked the Inter Miami comeback, and soon after, Telasco Segovia provided a crucial assist for Messi to level the score with a well-placed shot from distance. The momentum had decisively swung in favor of the visitors.
Segovia continued to be a driving force for Inter Miami, adding a goal to his assist tally and demonstrating his growing influence on the team. Messi then sealed the victory with his second goal of the night, completing the remarkable turnaround. The Argentine superstar’s performance underscored his continued ability to deliver match-winning contributions, even in the early stages of the MLS season.
The victory is particularly significant for Inter Miami as they glance to defend their MLS Cup title. The team’s slow start to the season had raised concerns, but this comeback win demonstrates their resilience and ability to overcome adversity. It also highlights the impact of Mascherano’s tactical acumen, showcasing his growth as a manager in his second year leading a professional team, following his previous experience with the Argentina youth squads.
The match also highlighted the challenges Inter Miami faced with injuries. Sergio Reguilon’s absence forced Allen to play left back, a position that impacted the team’s attacking and defensive balance. Mascherano’s quick thinking in addressing this issue with the halftime substitution proved crucial to the team’s success.
Orlando City, despite their strong start, were unable to withstand Inter Miami’s second-half onslaught. The team’s defense struggled to contain Messi and Segovia, and their attacking threat diminished as the Herons gained control of the match. The loss will be a setback for Orlando City as they look to establish themselves as contenders in the Eastern Conference.
This win provides a much-needed boost for Inter Miami as they prepare for their next challenge. The team will be looking to build on this momentum and continue their climb up the MLS standings. For Messi, the two goals represent a positive start to his second MLS season, signaling his intent to once again be a dominant force in the league.
Inter Miami’s next match is scheduled for [Date and Time to be determined – check official MLS schedule], against [Opponent to be determined – check official MLS schedule] at [Venue to be determined – check official MLS schedule]. Fans can find the latest updates and information on the official Inter Miami CF website and social media channels.
Archysport’s coverage of MLS continues throughout the 2026 season. Stay tuned for in-depth analysis, exclusive interviews, and comprehensive match reports.
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