Messi Breaks Nine-Match Losing Streak as Inter Miami Claim First Victory at Orlando
Miami, 2 March 2026
Lionel Messi’s remarkable scoring streak continues with his 52nd goal in just 55 MLS appearances, helping Inter Miami achieve their first-ever victory at Orlando’s stadium after nine consecutive defeats. The Argentine superstar netted twice in a thrilling second-half comeback that saw the defending champions overturn a two-goal deficit to win 4-2 on Sunday night.
A Tale of Two Halves at Inter&Co Stadium
The match began as a nightmare for the defending MLS champions, with Orlando City establishing a commanding 2-0 lead in the first half [1]. Marco Pašalić opened the scoring in the 18th minute, taking a pass from Iván Angulo to give the home side an early advantage [1][2]. The Croatian midfielder’s strike continued his remarkable form against Inter Miami, marking his fourth consecutive goal against the visitors [1][2]. Griffin Dorsey then set up Martín Ojeda just six minutes later for a second goal that left Miami trailing 2-0 at the interval [1][2].
Segovia Emerges as Unlikely Hero
The transformation began just four minutes into the second half when 20-year-old Mateo Silvetti scored his first career goal to reduce the deficit to 2-1 [1][2]. The strike came in Silvetti’s fifth career appearance, with crucial assists from defenders Telasco Segovia and Facundo Mura [1][2]. Segovia, who had registered eight goals and six assists as a rookie the previous season, would prove instrumental in Miami’s comeback [1][2]. His partnership with Mura, who collected his first assist in his debut season, demonstrated the depth of talent emerging within Inter Miami’s ranks [1][2].
Messi’s Masterclass Seals Historic Victory
The equaliser arrived in the 57th minute when Messi took a pass from Segovia to level the score at 2-2, marking the Argentine’s first goal of the 2026 season [1][2]. Segovia then scored unassisted in the 85th minute to give Inter Miami their first lead of the match [1][2]. Messi sealed the victory with a trademark free-kick in the 90th minute, demonstrating the clinical finishing that has made him one of MLS’s most feared players [1][2]. The reigning MVP’s two goals brought his tally to 52 goals in just 55 regular-season MLS matches, with 51 of those coming in his last 49 appearances [1][2].
Breaking Historical Barriers and Looking Ahead
The victory represented a significant milestone for Inter Miami, who had never won in their previous nine trips to Orlando’s stadium [1][2]. The triumph came after a disappointing 3-0 road loss to Los Angeles FC in their previous outing [1][2]. Orlando City had swept Inter Miami during the regular season the previous year and still leads the all-time series 8-7-4 [1][2]. Both teams now turn their attention to Saturday fixtures, with Inter Miami travelling to face D.C. United whilst Orlando City visit New York City FC [1][2]. The match statistics revealed Miami’s dominance in possession at 61.1%, compared to Orlando’s 38.9%, with the visitors also registering more shots on target with eight compared to five [6].