In a stunning display of resilience, Orlando City SC staged a remarkable comeback from a 3-0 deficit to defeat Inter Miami CF 4-3 on May 2, 2026, at Nu Stadium in Miami, Florida. This match is now considered one of the most dramatic games in MLS history.
Inter Miami built an early lead with goals from Ian Fray, Telasco Segovia, and Lionel Messi within the first 33 minutes. The home team seemed poised for victory, especially as Lionel Messi marked his 100th appearance for the club with a goal.
However, Orlando City SC responded with an impressive performance, led by Martín Ojeda, who scored a hat-trick to help his team erase the three-goal deficit. This comeback marked only the third time in MLS history that a team has come back to win after trailing by three goals.
Key statistics:
- Inter Miami scored three goals in the first 33 minutes of play.
- Orlando City SC ultimately scored four goals to clinch the victory.
- Lionel Messi’s goal came during his milestone 100th match for Inter Miami.
- Martín Ojeda’s hat-trick was pivotal in securing the win for Orlando City.
The match not only showcased individual brilliance but also highlighted broader implications for both teams in the Eastern Conference standings. As of this match, Inter Miami held second place with 19 points after ten matches played, while Orlando City sat at fourteenth with just seven points.
Despite their current position in the standings, Orlando City’s ability to mount such a comeback may serve as a turning point for their season. Conversely, Inter Miami’s failure to secure a win at their new stadium—now holding a record of 0-1-3—raises questions about their home-field advantage.
The excitement surrounding this match is likely to resonate throughout the league as fans and analysts reflect on its impact. Lionel Messi was quoted expressing his disappointment with the outcome, describing it as “unacceptable.”
Looking ahead, both teams will seek to build on this encounter as they progress through the MLS season. While Orlando City aims to leverage this momentum into future matches, Inter Miami will need to address their recent struggles at home.
