Messi sparks Miami comeback against Orlando City
Xinhua
1772440025000

Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF acknowledges the fans after winning the MLS match between Orlando City SC and Inter Miami CF at Inter&Co Stadium on March 01, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo: AFP)

Lionel Messi scored two goals and set up another as Inter Miami recovered from two goals down to beat Orlando City 4-2 in the MLS on Sunday.

The hosts went ahead through Marco Pasalic and Martin Ojeda before Mateo Silvetti pulled a goal back just after halftime.

Messi equalized when he combined with Telasco Segovia in traffic before finding space on the edge of the 18-yard box and drilling a shot into the top-right corner.

The visitors went ahead in the 85th minute through Segovia, who latched onto Messi's one-touch layoff by sweeping a low drive that left goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau with no chance.

Orlando was reduced to 10 men in the 88th minute after Colin Guske brought down Messi when the Inter Miami captain was through on goal.

Messi put the result beyond doubt two minutes later, curling a low free-kick around the Orlando wall and past the outstretched arms of Crepeau.

The result leaves Inter Miami seventh in the Eastern Conference with three points from two games while Orlando is 11th, having yet to pick up a point.