Messi's double sparks Inter Miami's furious comeback vs. Orlando City

Inter Miami came from 2-0 down to avoid a disastrous start to the club's MLS Cup title defense and instead secure three points in Orlando.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Inter Miami, the defending MLS Cup champions, fell behind 2-0 to Orlando City in their 2026 season opener. However, a furious second-half comeback led by Lionel Messi and Telasco Segovia saw Miami score four unanswered goals to win 4-2. Messi scored twice, including a late free kick, to complete the comeback and give Miami their first win of the season.

Why it matters

This game was an important early test for Inter Miami as they look to defend their MLS Cup title. After a disappointing opening loss to LAFC, the comeback victory against a tough Orlando City side showed the team's resilience and Messi's continued ability to lead them to victory, even when facing a multi-goal deficit.

The details

Inter Miami fell behind 2-0 in the first half on goals from Marco Pašalić and Martín Ojeda. But the team rallied in the second half, with Mateo Silvetti scoring to make it 2-1 before Messi equalized and then scored the game-winning free kick in the final minutes. Segovia also scored and had two assists in the comeback win.

  • The game was played on Sunday, March 2, 2026.
  • Pašalić and Ojeda scored in the 18th and 24th minutes to put Orlando City up 2-0.
  • Silvetti scored in the 49th minute to make it 2-1.
  • Messi scored the equalizer in the 57th minute.
  • Segovia scored the go-ahead goal in the 85th minute, and Messi added a free kick goal in the 90th minute.

The players

Lionel Messi

The legendary Argentine forward and Inter Miami's star player, who scored two goals to lead the comeback victory.

Telasco Segovia

The Inter Miami midfielder who scored the go-ahead goal and had two assists in the win.

Marco Pašalić

The Orlando City midfielder who scored the opening goal to put his team up 1-0.

Martín Ojeda

The Orlando City midfielder who scored the second goal to make it 2-0 for the home team.

Mateo Silvetti

The Inter Miami player who scored the goal to make it 2-1 and start the comeback.

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What’s next

Inter Miami will visit the White House on Thursday, March 5, 2026, ahead of a matchup against D.C. United in Baltimore next weekend.

The takeaway

This comeback victory showed the resilience and attacking firepower of the defending MLS Cup champions, led by the brilliance of Lionel Messi. It provides a positive start to their title defense after a disappointing opening loss, and demonstrates that Inter Miami remains a force to be reckoned with in MLS.