Lionel Messi's First Goal This Season Inspires Inter Miami's Revival

JAKARTA - Lionel Messi inspired Inter Miami's comeback to win 4-2 against Orlando City SC at the Inter&Co Stadium on Monday, March 2, 2026, early morning WIB.

Inter Miami fell behind 0-2 early in the break. In the second half, Mateo Silvetti narrowed the deficit to 1-2 before Messi scored two goals plus one goal from Telasco Segovia in the second half.

Messi received a pass from Segovia--who bagged two assists--to score in the 57th minute. The goal tied the score at 2-2 which gave Inter Miami a comeback.

Segovia then turned the tide in the 85th minute to give his team a 3-2 lead. Messi gave the final touch to the victory when he scored from a free kick in the 90th minute.

It was Inter Miami's first win in the 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) after losing 0-3 in the opening match of the season against LAFC on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

"This victory belongs entirely to the players. In the second half, they were the champions. There was no tactics, nothing like that."

"There was spirit, courage, ball possession, endurance, commitment. I think the team performed because they were last year's champions."

"In the end, the players showed it. This victory belongs to them," said Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano, after the match.

Messi's first two goals this season took the MLS MVP to 898 goals in his career, including 672 for Barcelona and 115 for Argentina.

"He is the best player who has ever played this sport. He is a leader. As a leader, he inspires others, but he also often needs inspiration for himself."

"When he goes forward, he has more attacking options. With so many chances, he obviously has the ability to create chances like no other. That's what allowed us to turn things around," Mascherano said of Messi.

Meanwhile, Inter Miami improved their record when visiting Orlando where they have never won. Orlando City swept the victory against Inter Miami during last year's regular season and led the all-time meeting record with eight wins, seven draws, and four losses.

Inter Miami will play against D.C. United on Sunday, March 8, 2026, early morning WIB, at Audi Field, while Orlando City will also travel to New York City FC on the same day.