Argentine Lionel Messi was decisive again in the MLS. With a brace and an assist, he led Inter Miami's comeback to a 4-2 victory over Orlando City in the Florida Derby, securing the first win of the season for the reigning champions. The victory had a special flavor: Orlando had never lost at home to Inter Miami in official competition. But this time Messi appeared to change history.

Messi's brace today: a stunning goal and a decisive free kick in the 90th minute

Lionel Messi's brace included a spectacular shot from outside the box that nestled into the top corner and a 90th-minute free-kick goal, which the opposing goalkeeper could have done more to prevent.

Earlier, in the 85th minute, Venezuelan Telasco Segovia had put the 'Herons' ahead after an assist from Messi himself, banishing the ghosts of the 3-0 defeat against LAFC in the first match.

The foul that led to the decisive goal was caused by a shirt pull on Messi, an action that earned Colin Guske his second yellow card and left Orlando with ten men at the end of the match.

Inter Miami's comeback: from 2-0 to 2-4

The match was a rollercoaster. In the first half, Inter Miami again displayed defensive fragility. A misplaced pass by Rodrigo De Paul in a clearance allowed Orlando to score their first goal, with goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair making a weak save. In the 24th minute, Argentine Martin Ojeda made it 2-0 with a low, driven shot across goal with the outside of his left foot, momentarily silencing the visiting fans. But after the break, the team reacted with character. Argentine Mateo Silvetti, who came off the bench, pulled one back with a right-footed shot, and then Messi appeared with a stunning goal from outside the box to tie the game 2-2 in just fifteen minutes. Orlando came close to a third with a header from Slovenian David Brekalo that struck the post, but the blow was to Miami's morale, and they closed out the match with authority.

Inter Miami without Suarez and with Busquets' shadow looming

The team was without Uruguayan Luis Suarez, out injured, while the absence of the now-retired Sergio Busquets continues to weigh heavily in midfield.

Despite preseason reinforcements, Inter Miami continues to show defensive imbalances, although their response in the second half was the best news for the coaching staff.

Inter Miami's next MLS match

The reigning champion started the season with five consecutive away matches while the Miami Freedom Park renovations are completed.

In the third round, they will visit DC United in the US capital, in a key match to consolidate their recovery.