Lionel Messi scores twice as Inter Miami fight back to beat Orlando
Lionel Messi scored his first goals of the season as defending champions Inter Miami recovered from a two-goal deficit to beat rivals Orlando City 4-2.
The Argentina captain struck a trademark free-kick in stoppage time to seal the victory after earlier equalising in the 57th minute.
It marked a significant turnaround for the visitors, who had trailed 2-0 at the break following early strikes from Marco Pašalić and Martín Ojeda.
The result secured Inter Miami’s first-ever victory at the Inter&Co Stadium after nine previous failed attempts.
Messi sparks second-half revival
Gerardo Martino’s side arrived in Orlando looking to respond to a heavy 3-0 defeat by LAFC in their previous outing.
However, they found themselves chasing the game early on after Pašalić continued his fine scoring run against the Herons with an 18th-minute opener.
The hosts doubled their advantage just six minutes later when defender Griffin Dorsey set up Ojeda to beat goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair.
Miami needed a rapid response after the interval and found one through Mateo Silvetti, who netted his first career goal just four minutes into the second half.
The 20-year-old forward was set up by Telasco Segovia, who would go on to play a pivotal role in the comeback.
Records tumble for Argentine icon
With momentum shifting, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner levelled proceedings just before the hour mark, converting a pass from Segovia.
Segovia, who had already provided two assists, completed the turnaround himself by scoring unassisted in the 85th minute to make it 3-2.
Orlando’s hopes of a late reply were dashed when rookie teenager Colin Guske was sent off for a second bookable offence two minutes from time.
The Inter Miami skipper then added gloss to the scoreline with a curling set-piece in the 90th minute.
His brace takes his career tally to 898 goals, edging him closer to the historic 900-mark.
The former Barcelona forward has now scored 52 times in his first 55 regular-season MLS matches.
Inter Miami will look to build on this momentum when they visit D.C. United next Saturday.