One of the central matches of the 2nd round of the MLS - the Florida derby - has become a real show. "Orlando City" hosted "Inter Miami" at their home ground, and although the first half of the match was in favor of the hosts, in the second half the visitors returned in a completely different appearance. Inter Miami secured a hard-fought 4-2 victory.
At the beginning of the match, Orlando City took the initiative. Pashalic scored in the 18th minute, and Oyeda in the 24th, giving the hosts a two-goal advantage. At first glance, the game seemed to have gone under Orlando's control. But after the break, the scene completely changed. Inter Miami put in full pressure in the second half, scoring four consecutive goals.
Sylvetti started the comeback for the Miami club. He reduced the score shortly after the break and instilled confidence in his team. Shortly after, Lionel Messi made his statement. The Argentinian star first equalized the score, then scored a brace in the final minutes of the game, putting a bright end to the game. These goals were Messi's first in the 2026 MLS season.
Meanwhile, Telasco Segovia also played a very important role. He scored the winning goal and was directly involved in several scoring attacks. Segovia not only scored but also stood out with two assists, and he was one of the players who solidified Inter Miami's dominance in the second half.
Messi's presence on the field throughout the match, scoring twice, was particularly good news for Inter Miami fans. Several days ago, Reuters reported questions about his health and condition at the beginning of the season. Considering this background, this brace was not just a result, but also a powerful signal about his physical condition and return to form.
Orlando City - Inter Miami 2:4
Goals: Pasalic 18, Oyeda 24 - Sylvetti 49, Messi 57, 90 (doubles), Segovia 85.
Inter Miami: St. Clair, Allen (Silvetti 46'), Mikael, Falcon, Moura, de Paul, Bright, Segovia, Allende (Luján 90'), Messi, Berterame.
Regarding the standings, Inter Miami sits in 18th place with 3 points, while Orlando City sits in 26th place without a point.
In short, this was not a simple victory. Inter Miami, two goals behind, completely woke up in the second half and crushed their opponent. Messi has once again proven himself a decisive figure in big games: two goals, a full 90 minutes, and a turning point necessary for his team. He was the biggest hero of the evening in the Florida derby.
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