Orlando City Stuns Inter Miami in 4-3 Thriller as Messi’s 100th Game Ends in Heartbreak
In a match that will be remembered as one of the most dramatic collapses in the history of the Florida derby, Orlando City SC rallied from three goals down to defeat Inter Miami CF 4-3 on Saturday, May 2, 2026. The result leaves Inter Miami still searching for its first victory at Nu Stadium, their new home ground.
The evening began as a celebration of a historic milestone. Lionel Messi took the pitch for his 100th appearance with Inter Miami, a landmark occasion that initially looked set for a fairy-tale ending. For 33 minutes, it appeared Miami was headed toward a dominant victory and a long-overdue breakthrough at their new venue.
A Dominant Start and a Historic Milestone
Inter Miami seized control of the match from the opening whistle, racing to a 3-0 lead before the half-hour mark. The scoring opened in the 4th minute through Ian Fray, followed quickly by Telasco Segovia in the 25th minute. The momentum peaked in the 33rd minute when Lionel Messi found the net, capping off a clinical opening barrage that left Orlando City reeling.
Messi’s influence was immediate, contributing both a goal and an assist during the early onslaught. At that moment, Miami seemed poised to erase the curse
of Nu Stadium, where they had failed to secure a win in three previous attempts.
The Turning Point: Ojeda’s Masterclass
The complexion of the game shifted dramatically in the 39th minute when Martín Ojeda scored his first goal of the night, providing a glimmer of hope for Orlando. While Miami held a 3-1 lead into the break, the second half saw a complete reversal of fortune.
Ojeda, the Argentine teammate of Messi from the national team, became the catalyst for the comeback. He completed a hat trick, systematically dismantling the Miami defense and erasing the three-goal deficit. As Orlando grew in confidence, Miami’s control evaporated, leading to a tense finale where the momentum had shifted entirely to the visitors.
Stoppage-Time Agony
The match reached a fever pitch in the closing moments. With the score tied and the crowd at Nu Stadium breathless, Tyrese Spicer delivered the final blow. Spicer scored the go-ahead goal in the third minute of stoppage time, sealing a 4-3 victory for Orlando City and leaving the home side stunned.
The loss is a bitter pill for Inter Miami, as they surrendered a lead that few expected them to waste. For Orlando City, the victory represents a tactical and mental triumph, overcoming a massive early deficit to win a high-stakes rivalry match on the road.
By the Numbers: A Tale of Two Halves
The statistics highlight a match of extreme contrasts. While Inter Miami dominated possession at 64.4% and outshot Orlando 16 to 2 in total attempts during the early phases, they were unable to maintain that defensive stability as the game progressed.
Key statistics from the match include:
- Final Score: Orlando City 4, Inter Miami 3
- Messi’s Milestone: 100th appearance for Inter Miami
- Top Performer: Martín Ojeda (3 goals)
- Winning Goal: Tyrese Spicer (Stoppage time)
- Venue Record: Inter Miami remains winless at Nu Stadium after four attempts
What In other words for the Standings
This result is a significant blow to Inter Miami’s momentum. Failing to secure points at home, especially after such a commanding start, puts pressure on the squad to identify consistency in their defensive transitions. For Orlando City, the win serves as a massive confidence boost and a statement of resilience in the MLS regular season.
The psychological impact of the “Nu Stadium curse” continues to loom over the club. Breaking the winless streak at their own venue is now a priority for the coaching staff as they look to stabilize their form heading into the next stretch of the season.
What’s Next
Inter Miami will look to bounce back and find their first win at Nu Stadium in their next outing. The club is scheduled to face Toronto FC on May 9, 2026, a match where they will be desperate to prove that the collapse against Orlando was an anomaly rather than a trend.
How do you feel about Inter Miami’s struggle to win at Nu Stadium? Was the collapse inevitable or a tactical failure? Let us understand in the comments below.
