Lionel Messi appeared to do what he knows best, making it clear that he’s still in top form and preparing in the best way possible for the 2026 World Cup. The Argentine superstar stepped up-not without first seeing Inter Miami fall behind on the scoreboard-to guide the 2-4 victory over Orlando City in MLS action.
MLS recognizes Messi’s talent
Following this brilliant performance, the No. 10 was named the MLS Player of the Matchday for Matchday 2 in Major League Soccer.
With the team trailing 2-0 in the first half, Messi took charge. He equalized at 2-2 with a powerful shot from outside the area, assisted Venezuelan Telasco Segovia for the 2-3 goal, and sealed his outstanding display with a free-kick goal that clinched the win for Inter Miami.
This is the 13th time Messi has been named MLS Player of the Matchday since joining Miami in 2023, and the first in the current 2026 MLS season.
The Argentine captain-MLS MVP in the last two campaigns-is only surpassed in this historical category by Landon Donovan (19 awards) and Jeff Cunningham (14), both with over a decade in Major League Soccer history.
