Lionel Messi leads Inter Miami to historic win over Orlando City

The 38-year-old Argentine star scored two goals to power his team's comeback victory.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Lionel Messi continued his dominant play for Inter Miami, scoring two goals to lead his team to a 4-2 comeback win over Orlando City on Sunday night. The victory marked the first time Inter Miami has ever defeated Orlando City in their home stadium.

Why it matters

Messi's heroics have been crucial to Inter Miami's success since joining the club last season. This latest win over a division rival demonstrates the team's growing competitiveness and Messi's enduring ability to lift his squad to new heights.

The details

Trailing 2-0 at halftime, Messi sparked Inter Miami's rally with a pair of second-half goals to tie the game. The club then added two more late scores to secure the historic victory, their first ever over Orlando City on the road.

  • The match took place on Sunday, March 2, 2026.

The players

Lionel Messi

A 38-year-old Argentine soccer star who joined Inter Miami last season and has been instrumental in the club's success.

Inter Miami

A professional soccer club based in Miami, Florida that competes in Major League Soccer (MLS).

Orlando City

A professional soccer club based in Orlando, Florida that also competes in MLS and is a division rival of Inter Miami.

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What they’re saying

“Messi continues to amaze us with his skill and leadership. This was a huge win for our club.”

— Phil Neville, Inter Miami Head Coach (NBC Bay Area)

The takeaway

Lionel Messi's enduring brilliance has been the driving force behind Inter Miami's rise, as the club continues to prove it can compete with and defeat its top division rivals, even on the road.