Inter Miami scored three goals in the first half, with Lionel Messi contributing one goal and two assists. However, Orlando City SC made a stunning comeback, scoring four goals in the second half to clinch the victory.

Key statistics:

• Inter Miami led 3-0 before conceding four goals.
• Lionel Messi achieved one goal and two assists during the match.
• Martin Ojeda scored two goals for Orlando City SC.
• Orlando City SC has conceded 29 goals this season, the highest in the Eastern Conference.

This loss marks another disappointing result for Inter Miami at Nu Stadium. They have not won there in four attempts, despite having three consecutive draws prior to this match. The team’s struggles at home have prompted discussions about the venue’s impact on their performance.

Currently, Inter Miami sits second in the Eastern Conference while Orlando City SC is positioned 14th. Despite their poor standing, Orlando’s recent success in the US Open Cup has boosted their confidence heading into this Florida Derby.

As fans reflect on this match, analysts emphasize that derby matches often defy form. “Derby matches tend to ignore form, and Orlando has a habit of making things difficult in this fixture,” noted one expert.

The upcoming match was particularly significant for Lionel Messi as it marked his 100th appearance. Yet, despite his contributions, the team could not secure a win.

This defeat raises concerns for Inter Miami as they seek to improve their home record. They average 1.9 goals per game this season but have also struggled defensively, conceding an average of 1.5 goals per match.

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FIFA demonstrates its backing for Mexico as a host nation for the 2026 World Cup, despite the ongoing cartel-related violence in Guadalajara, as stated by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Messi Shines in Second Half

It felt like Lionel Messi and Inter Miami had turned on a light switch.

Inter Miami experienced a challenging first half in Orlando, trailing 2-0 before the break — this followed a 3-0 defeat against Los Angeles FC the previous week. However, Messi and the Herons emerged from halftime and delivered an outstanding performance in the second half. Inter Miami surged back to secure a remarkable 4-2 win over Orlando City on Sunday, March 1. This victory marked the first occasion that Inter Miami triumphed at Orlando City’s Inter&Co Stadium.

Messi netted two goals during the match. The first was a stunning strike from beyond the 18-yard box that leveled the score at 2-2, marking Inter Miami’s comeback. Later in the game, Messi added a free kick goal, sealing the victory for Inter Miami with flair.

Inter Miami’s Comeback Victory

In an effort to energize his squad’s offensive play, Inter Miami’s coach Javier Mascherano brought on forward Mateo Silvetti shortly after the break. This decision quickly proved fruitful, as Silvetti netted Inter Miami’s inaugural goal of the 2026 MLS season just four minutes into the second half. Following Messi’s equalizer, Telasco Segovia secured the lead for Miami in the 85th minute.

Orlando City, which had been a playoff contender for the last six seasons, has started 2026 with two consecutive losses. In contrast, Inter Miami has managed to secure three points from their initial two matches, as the Herons prepare for five away games in MLS before debuting their new venue, Miami Freedom Park, on April 4.

USA TODAY Sports offered updates and highlights regarding the clash between Orlando City and Inter Miami:

FIFA’s Support for Mexico

After a foul committed by Colin Guske of Orlando City, who received a second yellow card and was sent off, Inter Miami was awarded a free-kick just outside the 18-yard box in the 90th minute.

Lionel Messi seized the moment and expertly converted the free-kick, increasing Inter Miami’s advantage and nearly guaranteeing that the Herons will leave Inter&Co Stadium with all three points.

Inter Miami has rediscovered its championship-winning prowess. Telasco Segovia scored the opening goal in the 85th minute during a second half that was predominantly controlled by Inter Miami. Along with his goal, Segovia contributed two assists, enhancing his performance stats for this match.

Match Highlights and Analysis

Lionel Messi is unstoppable.

The legendary soccer player netted his inaugural goal of the 2026 MLS season during the 57th minute, leveling the match at 2-2.

Outside the 18-yard box, chaos ensued as Inter Miami maintained possession, striving for a clear opportunity to score. The moment arrived when Messi received the ball and skillfully netted the equalizer.

The excitement is palpable in Orlando as MLS presents an exciting matchup for its “Sunday Night Soccer” feature on Apple TV.

Mateo Silvetti quickly made his mark during the Florida Derby. In the 49th minute, he unleashed a powerful strike from beyond the 18-yard box, sending the ball past a diving Maxime Crépeau, the goalkeeper for Orlando City.

Silvetti has scored his first goal in a regular-season MLS match. Previously, he netted two goals during the playoffs while helping Inter Miami secure the MLS Cup.

In an effort to strengthen their offensive play, Inter Miami’s coach Javier Mascherano opted for a substitution right after halftime. This bold decision sees Inter Miami shifting to a formation with three defenders, as they replaced defender Noah Allen with forward Mateo Silvetti.

Inter Miami is set to visit President Donald Trump and the White House to commemorate its 2025 MLS Cup victory prior to an upcoming match against D.C. United, a source from the club disclosed to USA TODAY Sports. The individual requested anonymity as the team had not yet revealed the details.

Prior to the Orlando City vs Inter Miami game, take a moment to review this Messi update from the previous week:

During the final moments of a rescheduled match in Puerto Rico on Thursday, February 26, several pitch invaders caused a disruption, including one individual who embraced Messi and brought him down as a security guard attempted to intervene.

Messi emerged unscathed from the incident and completed the match. He netted a penalty in the 70th minute, securing a 2-1 victory over Ecuador’s Independiente del Valle.

The game came after Inter Miami’s season opener, where they suffered a 3-0 defeat against LAFC on Saturday, February 21.

Can Lionel Messi guide Inter Miami to back-to-back league titles, thereby becoming the first MLS Cup champion to repeat since the Los Angeles Galaxy achieved it in 2011-12? Which teams pose the greatest threat to Miami’s dominance in the league? Who will take home the league MVP award? Which player will net the most goals and secure the Golden Boot?

Experts from the USA TODAY Network share their selections.

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