In a stunning MLS turnaround, Orlando City overcame a 3-0 halftime deficit to defeat Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami 4-3 on May 3 at DRV PNK Stadium in Florida. The match marked the seventh time in league history a team has erased a three-goal lead for victory.
Inter Miami’s Early Dominance Crumbles
Inter Miami surged ahead early. Ian Fray opened the scoring in the 4th minute. Messi then orchestrated the next two goals, assisting Telasco Segovia in the 25th and netting his own powerful left-footed strike off a Luis Suarez pass in the 34th. The hosts appeared poised for a routine win.
Ojeda’s Hat-Trick Sparks Orlando Revival
Orlando mounted a remarkable fightback. Martin Ojeda ignited the comeback with a goal just before halftime in the 39th minute. He completed his hat-trick with strikes in the 68th and 78th minutes, leveling the score at 3-3.
The winning goal arrived deep into stoppage time at the 90+3 mark, as Tyrese Spicer exploited defensive lapses to fire home the decisive shot.
Historical Feat and Team Struggles
This victory elevates Orlando to elite company, joining teams like Seattle Sounders (over DC United in 2017) and LA Galaxy (over LAFC in 2018) in MLS lore for such comebacks.
Inter Miami, fresh off their MLS Cup triumph last season, had been unbeaten in 11 games (5 wins, 6 draws). This loss ends their perfect record at the new DRV PNK Stadium, opened last month, where they drew their previous three matches.
Messi reached a milestone with his 86th goal in his 100th appearance for the club, but the defeat overshadowed the achievement. The team suffered their second loss this season, following a 0-3 opening defeat to Son Heung-min’s LAFC.
Son Heung-min’s LAFC Dominates Same Foe
LAFC previously crushed Orlando 6-0, powered by Son’s record four first-half assists—the first such feat in MLS history against this opponent.
Post-Match Reactions
Ian Fray reflected on the collapse: “We completely fell apart, and that kind of thing should never happen again.” He added frustration over officiating: “In my view, the referee held grudges against our players. But regardless of calls, we lost without excuse. Collapsing from 3-0 up is unacceptable.”
Orlando, winless in 15 away games last season (just two total wins), now boasts one road victory this campaign (1 win, 1 draw, 4 losses).
