Lionel Messi starred for Inter Miami, scoring twice and assisting another goal as his team overcame a two-goal deficit to defeat Orlando City 4-2 in a thrilling MLS encounter on Sunday.
Messi Leads Comeback After Early Setback
Orlando City took an early lead with goals from Marco Pasalic and Martin Ojeda, putting the hosts 2-0 up. However, Mateo Silvetti pulled one back for Inter Miami just after halftime, setting the stage for a dramatic comeback.
Messi then equalized after a slick combination with Telasco Segovia in traffic, finding space on the edge of the 18-yard box and firing a precise shot into the top-right corner.
Late Drama Seals Inter Miami Victory
The visitors took the lead in the 85th minute when Segovia converted Messi’s one-touch layoff with a low drive past goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau. Orlando City was reduced to ten men in the 88th minute after Colin Guske fouled Messi while he was through on goal.
Messi sealed the victory two minutes later with a curling low free-kick, bending the ball around the wall and past Crepeau to make it 4-2.
Standings Impact
The win moves Inter Miami to seventh in the Eastern Conference with three points from two games, while Orlando City remains 11th, still seeking their first point of the season.