Inter Miami squandered a 3-0 lead against Orlando City, losing 4-3 as Martin Ojeda struck three times and Orlando completed the comeback.
A 3-0 lead looked destined to become a breakthrough night for Inter Miami, but Orlando City ripped it away in dramatic fashion, stunning the Herons 4-3.
Misryoum reports that the turnaround was powered by Martin Ojeda. who netted three times and helped Orlando complete what the match storyline had promised to break: Inter Miami’s long-awaited first win inside its new stadium.. Inter Miami had risen to a comfortable advantage. yet Orlando refused to fade. with Tyrese Spicer firing the decisive go-ahead goal deep into stoppage time.
For Lionel Messi, it was a night of celebration that ended in frustration.. Misryoum notes that Messi contributed a goal and two assists in his 100th appearance for the club. but even that standout output could not prevent the collapse as the defending champions slipped to a winless start at home in the current MLS stretch.
This was more than a scoreline swing. When a team with such attacking momentum lets a match drift, the emotional cost often shows up immediately, and Orlando’s late burst created a lasting imprint on the contest.
Orlando took control after the half, but the foundation for the comeback was laid earlier.. Ojeda scored to make it 3-1 before halftime. then added another to pull Orlando back into it after the Herons had looked firmly in control.. Inter Miami’s comeback hopes stayed alive largely thanks to moments between the posts. including two crucial stops by Orlando goalkeeper Dayne St.. Clair after Ojeda threatened to level the match.
Eventually, the pressure told. Ojeda converted a penalty to bring the game level at 3-3, and Inter Miami’s own push for the next breakthrough could not finish the job. Spicer then delivered the final blow, leaving the match to tilt fully in Orlando’s direction.
In this context, the result matters because it changes the way Inter Miami’s supporters will remember the new-stadium narrative, turning what could have been a historic high into a lesson on closing games.
After the loss. Ian Fray indicated that Messi challenged the group in the dressing room. calling the outcome unacceptable. a message that reflected how far the evening deviated from expectations.. Inter Miami now has only a handful of MLS matches remaining before the league pauses for the FIFA World Cup. with their next schedule featuring opponents entering Saturday’s action with varying levels of form.