Watch: Lionel Messi scores first goal of 2026 with trademark strike

It took a little longer than some would have expected, but Lionel Messi’s first goal of the 2026 MLS season was worth the wait.

Inter Miami were outplayed in a 3-0 loss to LAFC on opening night and there was some pressure on the reigning MLS Cup holders ahead of the trip to Orlando City on Sunday night. Miami seemed to be feeling the strain and slipped to a 2-0 deficit at half time. But despite that setback, the Herons battled back with an impressive second-half comeback against Orlando.

The first goal came from Mateo Silvetti, just minutes after entering the fray as a half-time substitute. Soon after, Lionel Messi had Inter Miami level with a sweetly-struck finish from the edge of the Orlando penalty box. Here’s a look at the Argentine’s first goal of the new season...

Inter Miami took the lead soon after when Telasco Segovia curled the ball into the bottom corner. With a one-goal lead heading into the final stages, Messi made it safe with a 30-yard free kick that squirmed underneath Maxime Crepeau in the Orlando goal.

Miami powered back from a two-goal deficit with four second-half goals against Orlando City. It was not the most assured performance from Javier Mascherano’s team but they showed that they still have the quality, the firepower, to take apart any team in MLS. Memories of the opening night loss to LAFC will soon fade as Miami gear up to challenge for more silverware across 2026.

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