Lionel Messi scored twice as Inter Miami CF staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Orlando City SC 4-2 in a Major League Soccer Florida derby on Sunday. The reigning MLS champions, who had suffered defeat in their season opener last week, overturned a two-goal deficit in front of Orlando’s home crowd to secure their first win of the new campaign. The result underlined Miami’s resilience and Messi’s continued influence in decisive moments.
Orlando appeared firmly in control during the first half after racing into a 2-0 lead. Croatian winger Marco Pasalic opened the scoring in the 18th minute, finishing low from an Ivan Angulo cross after Miami conceded possession in midfield. Just six minutes later, right back Gryphon Dorsey surged forward and squared the ball into the path of Argentine striker Martin Ojeda, who calmly buried the finish to double the advantage and energise the home supporters.
Miami gradually found their rhythm and began pressing for a response before halftime. Messi and his Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul both tested Orlando goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau during a lively spell midway through the first half. De Paul’s powerful long-range strike was parried away in the 28th minute, and Crepeau followed up with another sharp save to deny Messi from inside the penalty area, ensuring Orlando carried their two-goal cushion into the break.
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The contest shifted decisively after halftime when substitute Mateo Silvetti reignited Miami’s hopes in the 49th minute with a stunning 25-yard strike. The goal injected urgency into the visitors’ play, and eight minutes later, Messi levelled the score at 2-2, collecting the ball on the edge of the area before curling a precise left-footed effort beyond Crepeau.
As the match entered its final stages, Miami maintained relentless pressure. In the 85th minute, Messi turned provider, threading a deft pass to Telasco Segovia, who finished clinically into the corner to give the visitors a 3-2 lead. The turnaround was complete and emphatic when Messi sealed the victory in the 90th minute with a low free-kick that slipped under Crepeau, capping a memorable comeback.
The victory not only handed Miami a crucial early-season boost but also highlighted Messi’s decisive role in tight contests. After a shaky start to their title defence, the comeback win over local rivals may provide the momentum needed as the MLS campaign gathers pace.
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