Orlando City stun Inter Miami 4-3 in historic three-goal comeback
Orlando City staged a historic comeback from three goals down to defeat Inter Miami 4-3 on Saturday, extending the hosts’ winless start at their new stadium.
The reigning MLS Cup winners raced into a 3-0 lead inside 33 minutes, propelled by a goal and an assist from Lionel Messi on his 100th appearance.
However, Martín Ojeda scored a spectacular hat-trick to level the match before Tyrese Spicer struck a dramatic stoppage-time winner for the visitors.
The remarkable result marks only the third time in Major League Soccer history that a team has successfully overturned a three-goal deficit to claim victory.
Messi milestone overshadowed by collapse
The hosts appeared entirely in control during the opening stages at Nu Stadium.
Ian Fray opened the scoring after just four minutes, before the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner set up Telasco Segovia to double the advantage.
The Argentina forward then netted his 86th goal in a Miami jersey to snap a brief two-game scoreless streak.
His strike seemed destined to secure a first home victory at the newly minted venue since it opened its doors on April 4.
Ojeda inspires dramatic late turnaround
Orlando entered the contest in dismal form, having won just two of their previous 15 league fixtures dating back to last season.
Yet the visitors found an unlikely lifeline when Ojeda struck in the 39th minute to reduce the deficit before the interval.
The Argentine playmaker added a second after 68 minutes, and despite point-blank heroics from Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair, completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot 10 minutes later.
With the home side visibly frustrated by officiating decisions, Spicer capitalised on the shifting momentum to snatch all three points in the dying moments.
Nu Stadium struggles continue for Herons
The stunning defeat abruptly ends a formidable 11-match unbeaten run across all competitions for the Eastern Conference side.
It also consigns Miami to a fourth consecutive winless home match, marking one of the longest inaugurational stadium droughts in league history.
The Herons now face four fixtures against struggling opposition before the domestic season pauses for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.