Inter Miami rallies past Orlando City 4-2 as Messi scores twice, including late free-kick winner
A six-goal Florida derby turns on a second-half shift
Inter Miami CF overturned a two-goal deficit Sunday night at Inter&Co Stadium, defeating Orlando City SC 4-2 in the first Florida derby of the 2026 MLS regular season. Lionel Messi scored twice for the visitors, finishing the comeback with a free kick in the 90th minute after Inter Miami had trailed 2-0.
Orlando’s early control produced a two-goal advantage through first-half strikes by Marco Pašalić and Martín Ojeda. Inter Miami’s response began immediately after the break, as the visitors scored four times in the second half to secure their first league win of the year.
How the match unfolded
Orlando entered the night seeking a first result of the season after a 2-1 home defeat to the New York Red Bulls in the club’s opener on Feb. 21. Inter Miami arrived having been shut out 3-0 by LAFC in its season opener.
The match pivoted in the opening minutes of the second half. Inter Miami pulled one back through Mateo Silvetti in the 49th minute, changing the tempo and forcing Orlando to defend deeper for longer stretches. Messi leveled the match in the 57th minute, and the visitors completed the turnaround late through Telasco Segovia in the 85th.
With Orlando pushing for an equalizer, Inter Miami earned a late free kick at the edge of the penalty area. Messi converted in the 90th minute, completing his brace and extending Miami’s lead to 4-2.
Key takeaways from a tactical swing
Orlando’s first-half advantage reflected effective progression through midfield and decisive finishing, but the second half exposed gaps in transition as Inter Miami increased tempo and directness.
Inter Miami’s comeback combined earlier ball recovery with faster vertical play, turning the match from controlled buildup into repeated attacks against a retreating back line.
Set-piece execution proved decisive at the finish, with the winning margin delivered by a late dead-ball opportunity.
Context around Orlando’s new-look back line
The match also came early in a season of change for Orlando. Goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau has taken over as the club’s starter following Pedro Gallese’s departure after his contract expired, and Orlando’s opener featured an early injury substitution to Wilder Cartagena.
Scoreline: Orlando City SC 2, Inter Miami CF 4 — Inter&Co Stadium, Sunday, March 1, 2026.
What comes next
Orlando’s schedule continues next weekend away to New York City FC on March 7, before returning home to face CF Montréal on March 14. Inter Miami’s victory in Orlando provides immediate traction after a season-opening loss, while Orlando is left to regroup after conceding four times in the second half.