Lionel Messi netted two goals as Inter Miami staged a dramatic comeback from two goals down to defeat Orlando City 4-2 in a heated Florida derby clash in Major League Soccer on Sunday.
Miami, the reigning MLS champions who were beaten in their opening match of the season last week, looked set for another disappointing result after Orlando surged to a 2-0 lead in the first half in front of their home supporters.
Croatian winger Marco Pasalic opened the scoring in the 18th minute, calmly finishing a low cross from Ivan Angulo after Miami lost possession in midfield.
The hosts doubled their advantage six minutes later when right back Griffin Dorsey burst forward before setting up Argentine striker Martin Ojeda, who fired home to make it 2-0.
Miami attempted to respond before the break, with Messi and his Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul both going close. De Paul forced a strong save from Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau with a powerful long-range strike in the 28th minute, while Crepeau also denied Messi from close range shortly afterward.
The match turned shortly after halftime when substitute Mateo Silvetti pulled one back for Miami in the 49th minute with a powerful strike from about 25 yards.
Messi then levelled the score eight minutes later, controlling the ball on the edge of the penalty area before curling a left-footed effort past Crepeau.
The Argentine star also played a key role in Miami taking the lead late in the game. In the 85th minute, he delivered a precise pass to Telasco Segovia, who calmly finished into the corner to make it 3-2.
Messi sealed the comeback in the 90th minute, converting a low long-range free kick that slipped under Crepeau to complete a remarkable 4-2 victory for Miami.
