In a match that had Florida soccer fans on the edge of their seats, Lionel Messi delivered yet another masterclass to lead Inter Miami to a thrilling 4-2 comeback victory over rivals Orlando City in the 2026 MLS Florida Derby. The Argentine legend scored twice, including a trademark free kick stunner, helping his side erase a 2-0 halftime deficit and claim their first league win of the young season.
The game at Inter&Co Stadium started disastrously for the Herons. Orlando City raced into a 2-0 lead by halftime, leaving Inter Miami staring at an early season crisis. But Messi, as he so often does, turned the script upside down after the break.
In the 57th minute, the magic happened. Telasco Segovia played a perfect setup, and Messi created just enough space on the edge of the box. With that iconic left foot, he unleashed a precise, powerful drive through traffic to level the score at 2-2. It was Messi’s first official goal of 2026, and it ignited the comeback. Fans erupted as the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner wheeled away in celebration, reminding everyone why he’s still the greatest to ever play the game.
Inter Miami didn’t stop there. Telasco Segovia added what looked like the winner in the 85th minute, putting the Herons ahead 3-2 after his own brace of contributions earlier in the half. But Messi wasn’t done. In the 90th minute, he stepped up to a free kick around 30 yards out. The wall jumped, the keeper Maxime Crépeau dove, but Messi’s curling effort squeezed low under the wall and nestled into the net for his second of the night. A brace sealed with a dead-ball masterpiece. Game over. 4-2 final score.
This wasn’t just any double. The free kick marked Messi’s 70th career goal from a set piece, moving him closer to the all-time record while extending his incredible streak of scoring in 22 consecutive seasons. At 38 (turning 39 soon), the Inter Miami captain continues defying age, physics, and expectations. His performance included four shots on target, three chances created, and that trademark vision that makes teammates better.
The Florida Derby rivalry just got another iconic chapter. Inter Miami overcame early struggles with tactical adjustments and sheer individual brilliance, while Orlando will rue defensive lapses that allowed Messi to exploit space time and again.
Messi now has seven goals in just five career games against Orlando City, proof that some matchups bring out the very best in him. Social media exploded with clips of both strikes: the equalizer called a “zurda masterpiece” and the free kick dubbed “pure GOAT energy.”
As Inter Miami builds momentum in their title defense campaign, one thing is clear: as long as Messi is on the pitch, no lead is safe, and no moment is too big. The 2026 season just got a whole lot more exciting.
What a night for soccer. What a night for Lionel Messi.
