Argentine Lionel Messi scored twice on Sunday in Inter Miami's 4-2 victory over Orlando City, marking the Herons' first win of the current MLS season.

A free kick from the former Barcelona star in the 90th minute, which the opposing goalkeeper could have done much more to save, sealed the Miami team's victory over their regional rivals, who had never lost at home to Inter Miami.

Five minutes earlier, Venezuelan Telasco Segovia had put his side ahead, assisted by Messi, and wiped away the ghosts of last weekend, when Inter Miami fell 3-0 to LAFC on the first day of the MLS season.

The Florida derby was, however, another example of the extreme defensive fragility suffered by Messi's team, which continues to struggle to find solutions despite the reinforcements that arrived in the preseason.

The departure of Sergio Busquets, who retired after last season, also continues to leave a gaping hole in midfield. Inter Miami was without Uruguayan Luis Suarez today due to injury.

The best news for the Miami team was their response in the second half, levelling the match in just fifteen minutes after going two goals down at half-time.

A loss of possession by Rodrigo De Paul in his own half during the build-up led to Orlando City's first goal, which came with the help of an indecisive Dayne St. Clair, and in the 24th minute, Argentine Martin Ojeda made it 2-0 with a left-footed shot across goal.

But Inter Miami equalised after the restart with a right-footed shot from Argentine Mateo Silvetti, who came on as a substitute today, and a stunning goal from Messi from outside the box that flew into the top corner.

Although Messi's side took control of the ball after the equaliser, it was Orlando City who came close to scoring the third, with a header from David Brekalo that hit the post with half an hour still to play.

Then came Segovia's goal and Messi's free kick, awarded for a foul on him that earned Colin Guske a second yellow card, which broke the deadlock and put Inter back on the winning track.

Inter Miami are the defending champions and are starting the season with five consecutive away games while work is completed on their new stadium, Miami Freedom Park. On matchday three, they will visit DC United in the US capital.

M. Silvetti

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