March 1, 2026 Updated March 2, 2026, 11:39 a.m. ET
It was as if Lionel Messi and Inter Miami flipped a switch.
Inter Miami faced a challenging first half in Orlando, falling behind 2-0 before halftime — this came after a disappointing 3-0 loss to Los Angeles FC the previous week. However, Messi and the Herons emerged from halftime with renewed vigor, showcasing a remarkable turnaround in the second half. They secured a stunning 4-2 victory over Orlando City on Sunday, March 1, marking their first win at Orlando City’s Inter&Co Stadium.
Messi was instrumental in the comeback, scoring two goals. His first came from outside the 18-yard box, leveling the score at 2-2. Later in the match, Messi capped off the victory with a spectacular free kick.
To ignite his team’s offense, Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano brought on forward Mateo Silvetti at halftime. This substitution proved effective, as Silvetti netted Inter Miami’s first goal of the 2026 MLS season just four minutes into the second half. Following Messi’s equalizer, Telasco Segovia scored in the 85th minute to give Miami the lead.
Orlando City, which had been a playoff contender for the last six seasons, has now lost its first two matches of 2026. In contrast, Inter Miami managed to earn three points from their first two games as they prepare for five consecutive road matches before debuting at their new stadium, Miami Freedom Park, on April 4.
USA TODAY Sports provided updates and highlights for the Orlando City vs. Inter Miami matchup:
Inter Miami vs. Orlando City highlights
Inter Miami 4, Orlando City 2: Lionel Messi connects on free kick
After a foul by Orlando City’s Colin Guske, who received a second yellow card and was sent off, Inter Miami was awarded a free-kick opportunity just outside the 18-yard box in the 90th minute. Messi seized the moment, scoring the free-kick goal and effectively sealing the victory for the Herons.
Inter Miami 3, Orlando City 2: Telasco Segovia scores go-ahead goal
Inter Miami displayed their championship-caliber form. Segovia put the Herons ahead in the 85th minute during a second half that was largely dominated by Miami. In addition to his goal, Segovia contributed two assists, enhancing his performance in this match.
Inter Miami 2, Orlando City 2: Lionel Messi evens up the score
Messi proved once again why he is considered the greatest of all time. He scored his first goal of the 2026 MLS season in the 57th minute, tying the game at 2-2. The play was chaotic just outside the 18-yard box, but Messi found the opportunity and delivered the equalizer.
It was an exciting matchup in Orlando, showcasing the best of MLS for its “Sunday Night Soccer” feature on Apple TV.
Orlando City 2, Inter Miami 1: Halftime substitute Mateo Silvetti makes immediate impact
Silvetti wasted no time making his mark in the Florida Derby. He scored a powerful shot from outside the 18-yard box just four minutes into the second half, marking his first goal in an MLS regular-season game.
Halftime sub for Inter Miami: Mateo Silvetti comes on for Noah Allen
In an effort to enhance the attack, coach Mascherano made a bold substitution at halftime, bringing on Silvetti for defender Noah Allen. This change meant Miami would play with three defenders moving forward.
Halftime: Orlando City 2, Inter Miami 0
Inter Miami had been outscored 5-0 in their first game and a half, a tough start for the defending MLS champions. Despite having opportunities, they struggled to find the back of the net, largely due to the outstanding performance of Orlando City goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau. Miami took eight shots in the first half, with three on target, but were denied each time.
As the first half progressed, yellow cards were issued to Orlando City’s Colin Guske and Nolan Miller, as well as Inter Miami’s Tadeo Allende.
Maxime Crépeau makes save on Lionel Messi attempt
Crépeau is making a strong case for being Canada’s starting goalkeeper in the upcoming 2026 World Cup. His impressive saves, including one against Messi in the 28th minute, bolster his chances of being selected for the national team.
Orlando City 2, Inter Miami 0: Dream start for the Lions
Martín Ojeda quickly doubled Orlando City’s lead, scoring in the 24th minute. After a 3-0 defeat last week in Los Angeles, Inter Miami found themselves in a challenging position.
Orlando City 1, Inter Miami 0: Marco Pašalić scores the opener
Once again, reigning MLS champion Inter Miami was forced to chase the game. Pašalić scored in the 18th minute with a left-footed shot from the top of the box, putting Orlando City ahead.
What time is the Orlando City vs. Inter Miami match?
The match kicked off at 7 p.m. ET (9 p.m. in Argentina).
How to watch Orlando City vs. Inter Miami match?
The match was available on Apple TV.
Inter Miami starting 11
Coach Mascherano made two changes from last week’s 3-0 loss against Los Angeles FC, giving forward Tadeo Allende and defender Facundo Mura their first starts of the 2026 season.
Orlando City starting 11
Coach Oscar Pareja made four changes from the previous match, introducing new starters including forward Iván Angulo, midfielder Colin Guske, and defenders Nolan Miller and Tahir Reid-Brown.
MLS Matchday 2 schedule and results
On Saturday, Feb. 28, and Sunday, March 1, the matches unfolded with various outcomes.
Germán Berterame speaks to media
New Inter Miami star Germán Berterame expressed his eagerness to participate in the Florida Derby, having scored previously in a preseason match.
“I’m really eager to play in the derby, because we all know what it means to play in one,” Berterame said. “I see the group as very content, very motivated and really enthusiastic. So hopefully, it will be a great match.”
Inter Miami to visit White House
Inter Miami is set to visit President Donald Trump and the White House to celebrate their 2025 MLS Cup title before an upcoming match against D.C. United.
Messi taken down by fan in Puerto Rico
Before the Orlando City match, Messi was involved in an incident with pitch invaders during a match in Puerto Rico, but he was unharmed.
As the season progresses, fans are left wondering if Messi can lead Inter Miami to consecutive league championships, a feat not achieved since the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2011-12.
