Inter Miami Coach Javier Mascherano Admits Mistakes After Orlando City Game

Mascherano takes responsibility for lineup changes that led to 2-0 halftime deficit

Mar. 2, 2026 at 7:15pm

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Inter Miami rallied from a 2-0 halftime deficit to beat Florida rivals Orlando City 4-2 in their MLS season opener. Lionel Messi scored two goals and had an assist, while Mateo Silvetti and Telasco Segovia also scored for the defending MLS champions. Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano acknowledged making mistakes with his lineup that led to the team falling behind early, but praised his players for their strong second-half performance.

Why it matters

This game highlighted the resilience of the defending MLS champions Inter Miami, who were able to overcome an early deficit against a tough in-state rival. Mascherano's willingness to take responsibility for his lineup decisions and the team's ability to rally in the second half will be important as they look to defend their title this season.

The details

Inter Miami fell behind 2-0 in the first half after goals from Orlando City's Marco Pasalic and Martin Ojeda. Mascherano made a halftime substitution, bringing on Mateo Silvetti, who scored four minutes into the second half to get Inter Miami on the board. From there, Messi took over, scoring two goals, including a free kick, to give Inter Miami the lead. Telasco Segovia added a fourth goal for the visitors.

  • Inter Miami trailed 2-0 at halftime.
  • Mateo Silvetti scored in the 49th minute to make it 2-1.
  • Lionel Messi scored two goals in the second half to give Inter Miami the lead.
  • Telasco Segovia scored Inter Miami's fourth goal of the night.

The players

Javier Mascherano

The head coach of Inter Miami who acknowledged making mistakes with his lineup that led to the team's early deficit.

Lionel Messi

The superstar forward for Inter Miami who scored two goals and had an assist to lead the team's comeback.

Mateo Silvetti

The Inter Miami player who was subbed in at halftime and scored four minutes into the second half to get his team on the board.

Marco Pasalic

The Orlando City player who scored the first goal of the game to give his team an early lead.

Martin Ojeda

The Orlando City player who scored the second goal to make it 2-0 at halftime.

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What they’re saying

“When you have to make a substitution at halftime, it's because you failed as a coach in planning the game. I don't like that; it was my fault. In the second half, the team played like a champion team; the credit goes entirely to the players.”

— Javier Mascherano, Inter Miami Head Coach

What’s next

Inter Miami will look to build on this comeback win as they continue their MLS title defense, while Orlando City will aim to rebound from the disappointing result.

The takeaway

This game showcased the resilience and championship pedigree of Inter Miami, who were able to overcome an early deficit against a tough rival. Mascherano's willingness to take responsibility for his lineup decisions and the team's ability to rally in the second half will be crucial as they look to repeat as MLS champions.