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. This match, held at Nu Stadium in Miami, is now etched in the annals of MLS history as one of its most dramatic games.
The early dominance by Inter Miami was palpable. Within just 33 minutes, they had built a commanding lead with goals from Ian Fray, Telasco Segovia, and Lionel Messi—who marked his 100th appearance for the team. But why did such an impressive lead evaporate?
That context matters because Orlando City SC demonstrated extraordinary tenacity. After being down by three goals, they rallied back with an impressive performance led by Martín Ojeda, who scored a hat-trick. This comeback marked only the third time in MLS history that a team has erased a three-goal deficit to win.
Key statistics from the match:
- Inter Miami scored three goals in the first 33 minutes.
- Orlando City SC netted four goals to secure their victory.
- The match was part of the eleventh matchweek of the MLS.
This loss left Inter Miami with an underwhelming record at their new stadium—remaining winless with a tally of 0 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses. Meanwhile, Orlando City climbed up from their position at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.
Lionel Messi described the defeat as “unacceptable,” reflecting the high expectations surrounding his team. With this loss, Inter Miami sits second in the Eastern Conference with only 19 points after ten matches played.
As for what lies ahead, both teams will need to regroup quickly. Orlando City SC’s victory might just be the spark they need to turn their season around. However, uncertainties remain about how Inter Miami will respond to this setback—especially as they seek to maintain their competitive edge in upcoming matches.