Messi Inspires Inter Miami to First Win at Nu Stadium in 4-1 Victory Over Orlando City

Key facts

• Inter Miami won its first match at Nu Stadium in its fourth attempt, beating Orlando City 4-1.
• Lionel Messi scored a goal, provided a primary assist, and added a secondary assist in the match.
• Ian Fray scored his first goal of the season in the 4th minute, his first since returning from four knee surgeries.
• Telasco Segovia scored one goal and provided two assists after returning from a suspension.
• Inter Miami sits second in the Eastern Conference with 22 points from six wins, one loss, and four ties.
• Orlando City remains 14th in the Eastern Conference with 7 points from two wins, one loss, and seven ties.
• The match was played on May 3, 2026, at Nu Stadium in Miami, Florida.

A Long-Awaited Home Win

Inter Miami finally secured its first victory at Nu Stadium on Saturday night, defeating in-state rivals Orlando City 4-1 in front of a packed crowd. The win came in the team's fourth match at the venue, which opened on April 4, after three consecutive draws. The result lifts Inter Miami to second place in the Eastern Conference with 22 points, while Orlando City remains 14th with just 7 points. The match, broadcast on FS1 and Apple TV, showcased the gulf in form between the two sides.

Messi Masterclass Breaks the Deadlock

Lionel Messi ended a two-game drought without a goal or assist in emphatic fashion, scoring in the 33rd minute with a left-footed shot from outside the box that curled past Orlando goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau. The goal gave Inter Miami a 3-0 lead and capped a dominant first-half performance. Messi was involved in all three of Inter Miami's first-half goals. He provided the primary assist for Telasco Segovia's goal in the 25th minute — his first assist of the season — and earned a secondary assist on Ian Fray's opener in the 4th minute. Luis Suárez picked up the primary assist on Messi's goal.

Fray's Remarkable Comeback

Ian Fray opened the scoring in the 4th minute with a header, his first goal of the season. The Coconut Creek native and Jamaican international has overcome an extraordinary injury history: three consecutive ACL tears in 2021, 2022, and 2023, followed by a right meniscus injury in October 2024 that required surgery. Fray started at right back in a lineup that also featured goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair, centre backs Micael dos Santos and Maxi Falcon, left back Noah Allen, midfielders Rodrigo De Paul, Telasco Segovia, and Yannick Bright, left wing Luis Suárez, centre forward Lionel Messi, and right wing Germán Berterame.

Orlando City's Brief Response

Orlando City pulled a goal back in the 39th minute through Martín Ojeda, cutting the deficit to 3-1. However, Inter Miami restored its three-goal lead before halftime and never looked threatened in the second half. The Lions' lineup featured goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau, defenders Griffin Dorsey, Iago, Robin Jansson (captain), and Adrián Marín, midfielders Iván Angulo, Braian Ojeda, Luís Otávio, and Tiago, and forwards Martín Ojeda and Justin Ellis. Griffin Dorsey returned to the starting lineup after featuring in the U.S. Open Cup, while Eduard Atuesta, David Brekalo, and Duncan McGuire were available on the bench after missing several matches.

Conference Implications

Inter Miami's victory solidifies its position in the Eastern Conference playoff places, sitting second with 22 points from six wins, one loss, and four ties. The top seven teams qualify directly for the Final Series, while eighth and ninth enter the play-offs. Orlando City, meanwhile, languishes in 14th with just 7 points from two wins, one loss, and seven ties. The team has struggled for consistency and will need a dramatic turnaround to climb into playoff contention.

What Comes Next

Inter Miami will look to build on this performance as the season progresses, with Messi's form a key factor. The team has now gone unbeaten in its past nine matches across all competitions. Orlando City faces an uphill battle to revive its campaign. The return of key players from injury may provide a boost, but the Lions must address defensive frailties that were exposed by Inter Miami's attacking trio. The next fixture for both teams will be crucial in shaping their trajectories.

The bottom line

• Inter Miami won its first home game at Nu Stadium in its fourth attempt, defeating Orlando City 4-1.
• Lionel Messi ended a two-game drought with a goal and an assist, being involved in all three first-half goals.
• Ian Fray scored his first goal of the season after overcoming four knee surgeries.
• Telasco Segovia returned from suspension to score and provide two assists.
• Inter Miami sits second in the Eastern Conference with 22 points, while Orlando City is 14th with 7 points.
• Orlando City's Martín Ojeda scored a consolation goal, but the Lions remain in a precarious position.