Inter Miami overturned a two-goal deficit to defeat Orlando City 4-2 in their second match of the new MLS season. After trailing 2-0 within the first 24 minutes, Lionel Messi led a stunning turnaround with two goals and an assist. The match, played on March 2, 2026, saw Miami recover from a poor start to the season following their opening loss to Los Angeles FC.
Coach Javier Mascherano’s tactical change proved decisive when he replaced defender Noah Allen with attacker Mateo Silvetti, who scored Miami’s first goal in the 49th minute. Messi equalized with a precise left-footed strike in the 57th minute, then assisted Talisco Segovia’s goal in the 85th minute before sealing the victory with a free-kick in stoppage time. The win marked Messi’s 70th career free-kick goal and brought his total career tally to 898.
Mascherano praised his team’s mental resilience, noting that Orlando is always a tough opponent. Inter Miami will next face DC United at Audi Field in Washington on Saturday, aiming to build on this momentum early in the season.