Messi's masterclass undone as Orlando City completes stunning 4-3 comeback over Inter Miami

Key facts

• Inter Miami led 3-0 at halftime before losing 4-3 to Orlando City.
• Lionel Messi scored one goal and provided two assists in the first half.
• Martín Ojeda scored a hat trick for Orlando City, including a penalty and the equalizer.
• Inter Miami has not won in four attempts at Nu Stadium.
• Ojeda's hat trick was his second with Orlando City; his first came on May 13, 2025 against New England Revolution.
• Ojeda is one goal behind Messi and Nicolás Fernández for top Argentine scorers in MLS.
• Maxi Falcon conceded a penalty and was rated 4/10 for his performance.

A collapse of historic proportions

Inter Miami threw away a three-goal lead against Orlando City in a remarkable 4-3 defeat on Saturday, extending their winless streak at Nu Stadium to four matches. Lionel Messi delivered a goal and two assists in a dominant first half, but defensive lapses in the second period allowed Orlando to complete one of the most stunning comebacks in the rivalry's history. The match was chaotic from the first minute. Telasco Segovia whipped in a cross that Ian Fray headed home inside three minutes. Messi then squared to Segovia for an easy finish in the 25th minute, before curling a trademark left-footed shot into the bottom corner. At 3-0, the Herons appeared to have the game secured.

Orlando's second-half resurgence

Martín Ojeda pulled one back shortly before halftime, but the damage seemed done. However, Orlando emerged transformed after the break. Ojeda added a second in the 68th minute, and continued to push for an equalizer. The breakthrough came when Maxi Falcon committed a foul in the box, and Ojeda stepped up to convert the penalty. In stoppage time, Tyrese Spicer ran behind the defense, received a pass from Braian Ojeda, and finished between Dayne St. Clair's legs to seal the victory. Ojeda, who was named MVP of the match, finished with a hat trick and an assist. The attacking midfielder has now scored seven goals in 11 games this season, his second-highest scoring campaign after 2025 when he netted 16.

Miami's defensive frailties exposed

Inter Miami's defense was called into question repeatedly. Center-back Micael was described as 'all over the place positionally,' while Falcon had a 'nightmare' performance, giving up the penalty and being erratic throughout. Goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair was helpless on most goals but was nutmegged for the fourth. Ian Fray, who scored the opener, was removed with a worrying injury after 66 minutes. In midfield, Yannick Bright was often overrun, and Rodrigo De Paul had little impact despite seeing plenty of the ball. Messi, operating in a free role, was the standout with an 8/10 rating, but his efforts could not mask the team's systemic flaws.

A cursed new home

Nu Stadium has not been kind to Inter Miami. The team has yet to win in four attempts at their new venue, with Saturday marking their first loss there. The collapse continues a worrying trend: the Herons have dropped points at home for the fourth straight game. The stadium, which was supposed to be a fortress, has instead become a source of frustration. Orlando City, meanwhile, celebrated a famous victory in the 'Clásico del Sol.' Ojeda's hat trick was his second for the club, following a 3-3 draw with New England Revolution on May 13, 2025, where he also scored a penalty.

Individual brilliance vs. collective failure

Messi's first-half performance was vintage: a goal and two assists, with 10 shots on target from Miami by halftime. But the second half told a different story. Orlando outplayed their hosts, and Miami's attack dried up. Luis Suárez and Germán Berterame started up front together, but the combination failed to produce after the break. Ojeda's rise has been notable. The Argentine began his career with Ferro Carril Oeste in the second division, then moved to Racing Club, Huracán, and Godoy Cruz before joining Orlando City in 2023. He now sits one goal behind Messi and Nicolás Fernández (New York City) for the most goals among Argentine players in MLS, and three behind Croatian Petar Musa (FC Dallas), the league's top scorer.

What lies ahead for both sides

Inter Miami must address their defensive vulnerabilities if they hope to compete for silverware. The inability to protect a three-goal lead at home raises serious questions about the team's mentality and organization. With Messi's individual brilliance unable to compensate for collective shortcomings, manager Javier Mascherano faces a tactical conundrum. Orlando City, buoyed by this comeback, will look to build momentum. Ojeda's form makes him a key weapon, and the team's resilience in adversity bodes well for the season. The 'Clásico del Sol' rivalry has a new chapter, and it belongs to the Lions.

The bottom line

• Inter Miami blew a 3-0 halftime lead to lose 4-3, their fourth straight winless game at Nu Stadium.
• Lionel Messi had a goal and two assists but could not prevent the collapse.
• Martín Ojeda scored a hat trick for Orlando City, including a penalty, and was named MVP.
• Defensive errors, particularly from Maxi Falcon and Micael, cost Miami dearly.
• Orlando City's comeback was fueled by a dominant second-half performance.
• Ojeda is now one goal behind Messi for most goals among Argentine players in MLS.