📸 Photo via Lionel Messi on IG
Few rivalries in Major League Soccer have grown as quickly—or as fiercely—as the Florida Derby. When Inter Miami CF face Orlando City SC, it is never just about three points. It is about regional pride, identity, and momentum. On a dramatic night at Inter&Co Stadium, Lionel Messi delivered a performance that will be remembered as one of the greatest derby displays in club history.
Inter Miami entered the match under pressure. They had never won away at Orlando since joining MLS in 2020, despite facing their rivals nine times on the road. Their last meeting in 2025 ended in a 4–1 defeat, a match Messi missed due to injury. Miami had also opened the new season with a heavy loss to LAFC. With Luis Suárez sidelined by a lower-leg issue and Sergio Reguilón still recovering from a knee injury, the responsibility fell squarely on Messi, Germán Berterame, and Rodrigo De Paul.
Orlando Strike Early as Miami Struggle Again
The first half followed a troubling pattern. Miami struggled in defensive transitions and looked vulnerable to Orlando’s pace on the counterattack. In the 18th minute, Pasalic opened the scoring after a precise pass from Angulo. Many felt Dayne St. Clair could have positioned himself better.
Six minutes later, Orlando doubled their lead. Martín Ojeda combined sharply with Griffin Dorsey to carve open Miami’s defense. The visitors appeared stunned. Defensive shape collapsed under pressure, and Orlando capitalized with ruthless efficiency.
Ironically, the numbers told a different story. Inter Miami finished the half with 58 percent possession and an expected goals figure of 1.38 compared to Orlando’s 0.26. Messi created danger, but goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau produced three key saves to preserve the hosts’ advantage.
At halftime, Miami trailed 2–0. The performance echoed their season opener. But the response would be different.
Mascherano’s Tactical Gamble Changes the Game
Javier Mascherano reacted decisively. He replaced Noah Allen with Mateo Silvetti and shifted to a back three. The adjustment brought immediate balance. Miami pushed wider and pressed higher.
Within five minutes of entering, Silvetti unleashed a thunderous strike from outside the box. Crépeau had no chance. The 20-year-old’s third goal for the club reignited belief.
Momentum shifted instantly. Miami dominated possession with purpose. Wide channels opened. Passing combinations grew sharper. The equalizer felt inevitable.
Messi Produces Magic Once Again
Lionel Messi provided it in spectacular fashion. After being fouled and briefly knocked to the ground, he sprang back to his feet. He weaved through defenders and finished with a clinical strike. The stadium fell silent before erupting in awe.
It was vintage Messi. A goal born from resilience and genius.
With confidence restored, Miami continued pressing. In the 69th minute, St. Clair redeemed himself with a critical save that denied Orlando a potential third goal. That stop preserved the comeback.
Segovia Completes the Turnaround
The breakthrough came in the 85th minute. Berterame drove forward and fed Messi. In one fluid motion, Messi slipped a precise back pass into Telasco Segovia’s path. Segovia buried the finish.
The linkup between Messi, Berterame, and Segovia was seamless. It showcased the attacking chemistry Miami have been searching for.
Messi’s Free Kick Seals the Night
The drama was not finished. Orlando’s Guske received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge, setting up a late free kick. From just outside the box, Messi curled a stunning effort into the top corner.
It was his 70th career free-kick goal, moving him closer to Juninho’s all-time record of 77. The celebration made headlines. Messi recreated his iconic open-arms pose from El Clásico 2017. He even gestured toward the Orlando bench, appearing to respond to earlier comments.
The goal sealed a 4–2 victory and completed one of the greatest Florida Derby comebacks.
Reactions From the Dressing Room
Silvetti reflected on the significance of the win.
“We knew Inter Miami had never won here. We came with extra motivation. It’s beautiful to make history.”
Mascherano took responsibility for the first-half struggles.
“When you make a substitution at halftime, it means you failed in planning. That was my mistake. In the second half, the team played like champions.”
On Messi, he added:
“He is the best player to have ever played this sport, and tonight he showed it again.”
Rodrigo De Paul emphasized the emotional importance.
“A derby is always different. Last year they were superior. This year we got our revenge.”
Mascherano also revealed the tactical shift. He removed the left back, added a winger, and built a triangle around Messi to free him in central areas. The plan worked perfectly.
Historic Numbers Continue to Grow
Messi now has 52 goals in just 55 MLS appearances, an astonishing return that continues to redefine standards in the league. Since January 1, 2018, he has scored 35 free-kick goals and 34 penalties, underlining his consistency from set pieces and the spot.
With his brace against Orlando, Messi once again proved decisive in the Florida Derby. He also scored twice against Orlando in the 2025 Leagues Cup semifinal, making this another match-winning performance against a familiar rival. When it matters most in this rivalry, Messi continues to deliver.
He was named Man of the Match—his first of 2026.
What Comes Next
Inter Miami have now beaten every Eastern Conference team both home and away. Their next match is another road test against D.C. United on March 7.
Before that, the club is scheduled to visit the White House on March 5 to celebrate their MLS Cup triumph. Messi’s participation has not yet been confirmed.
Inter Miami News Hub covered the match on site for the second consecutive week. The Florida Derby once again delivered drama, intensity, and unforgettable moments. And at the center of it all stood Lionel Messi, reminding the league why he remains its defining figure.
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