Lionel Messi opened his 2026 MLS account with a brace, leading Inter Miami to a huge 4-2 comeback win against Orlando City and securing the Herons’ first league victory of the season.

Messi scored his first from the edge of the box three minutes before the hour mark to make it 2-2. With the scoreline 3-2 in Inter Miami’s favour, Messi sealed the win in stoppage time with a 30-yard free-kick that crept underneath Maxime Crepeau in the Orlando goal.

In the process, Lionel Messi equalled late Brazil legend Pele for free-kick goals after scoring his second and fourth for Miami. It was the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s 70th goal from a free-kick, which took him to joint-second in the record for the most free-kick goals in men’s football.

Brazil icon Juninho Pernambucano holds the record for the highest number of goals scored through free-kicks with 77. Messi’s archrival, Cristiano Ronaldo, sits seventh in the list with 64. Currently at Al-Nassr, Ronaldo’s last free-kick goal came in August 2024 in a 4-1 win for the Knights of Najd against Al Feiha.

Just two shy of Juninho’s free-kick tally, Messi will look to equal and perhaps surpass the Brazilian before hanging up his boots.

In the league, the two goals put Messi joint-third in the goal-scoring chart. The Inter Miami captain won the 2025 MLS Golden Boot with 29 goals. He led a tight race, finishing ahead of LAFC’s Denis Bouanga (24 goals) and Nashville SC’s Sam Surridge (24 goals) to secure the top scorer spot.

“He’s a leader” – Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano heaps praise on Lionel Messi after scoring brace in 4-2 win over Orlando City

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano was effusive in his praise for Lionel Messi after he stood out in their win over Orlando City. Mascherano hailed Messi’s leadership, calling him the best player ever in the sport.

“Like I’ve said a thousand times, [he is] obviously the best player to ever play this sport. He’s a leader,” Miami head coach Javier Mascherano said post-game of Messi. “Like a leader, it’s contagious for everyone.”

On the team, Mascherano added:

“The win is exclusively because of the players. The team played like champions in the second half. There were no tactics, nothing. There was heart, bravery with the ball, resilience, commitment. And I think the team showed why they won [MLS Cup] last year.”

In addition to scoring a brace, Lionel Messi registered an assist, setting up Telasco Segovia for Miami’s third.