Orlando City Vs Inter Miami: Messi brace completes stunning comeback and ends away drought
Orlando City Vs Inter Miami saw a dramatic second-half turnaround as Lionel Messi scored twice and set up Telasco Segovia to overturn a 2-0 halftime deficit and secure an away win at Inter&Co Stadium in the second week of the 2026 MLS season — a result that finally gave Miami its first victory away to Orlando in club history.
Orlando City Vs Inter Miami: Messi delivers and Miami ends away drought
Miami trailed 2-0 at half-time before pulling a goal back early in the second half. Messi struck a superb shot into the top-right corner to equalise — his first MLS goal of the season and his first of the calendar year — then supplied the 85th-minute pass that Telasco Segovia finished to put Miami in front. Messi added a well-placed free-kick into the bottom-left corner to seal the result.
How the comeback unfolded
The visitors were under pressure after falling two goals behind by half-time. Miami came out flying in the second half, reduced the deficit with a goal, and then Messi’s equaliser shifted the game. The lead arrived in the 85th minute a Segovia finish from a Messi assist, and a late free-kick from Messi wrapped up the comeback. The 38-year-old forward has now scored in 22 consecutive years, from 2005 through 2026.
Week one form and buildup to the derby
Both teams entered the Florida derby having lost on opening weekend. Orlando began 2026 with a 2-1 home defeat to New York Red Bulls after conceding a first-half deficit, while Inter Miami opened with a 3-0 defeat away to Los Angeles FC. Messi had been unable to influence the California game and was later cleared by MLS following a reviewed post-match incident. Miami then contested a friendly in Puerto Rico against Independiente del Valle, where Messi converted a penalty ahead of the derby.
Coaches, recruitment and the rivalry record
Orlando head coach Oscar Pareja, who committed his future to the club through 2028, has overseen sustained postseason qualification and some of the franchise’s most successful seasons. Orlando’s off-season recruitment drive was intended to strengthen depth after a competitive 2025 Eastern Conference campaign. Inter Miami’s head coach Javier Mascherano was appointed ahead of 2025 and guided the Herons to their maiden MLS Cup triumph that year; Mascherano faces scrutiny following the opening d.
Historic context and squad notes
The Florida rivalry had produced 18 meetings across all competitions before this match, with Orlando recording eight wins, six defeats and four draws; the most recent clash had ended in a 3-1 victory for Miami in the 2025 League Cup semi-finals. Miami’s squad remains packed with high-profile talent, including Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, and the team finally registered a victory away to Orlando after five previous losses and four draws in all competitions.
