Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami returned to winning ways against Orlando City after crashing to a 3-0 loss at Los Angeles FC (LAFC) in their 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) opener. And, an ex-United States men’s national team (USMNT) defender has lauded the Argentine legend.
Lionel Messi Hailed After Trolling Opposition Head Coach
Earlier this Sunday, Mar. 1, Inter Miami came back from two goals down to record a thrilling 4-2 MLS win over Orlando City at the Inter&Co Stadium. They received a double blow in the first half following Marco Pasalic and Martin Ojeda’s goals for the hosts.
However, the Herons ran riot after the break, as Mateo Silvetti bagged their first goal in the 49th minute. Messi restored parity for his club three minutes before the hour mark with an excellent strike, before Telasco Segovia scored the go-ahead goal in the 85th minute.
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Three minutes later, Orlando ace Colin Gaske received a red card for pushing the Barcelona icon to the ground near his own penalty box. The 38-year-old converted the resulting free-kick, celebrating by outstretched his hands in front of the home supporters.
Seconds later, Messi pointed at Orlando head coach Oscar Pareja and vehemently mimicked giving him an autograph. The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner’s gesture against Orlando’s boss led USMNT legend Alexi Lalas to label the player a ‘stone-cold killer’ on X.
Lalas posted the video of the aforesaid act on XÂ and wrote, “Messi… stone-cold killer.”
The Inter Miami forward’s two goals against Orlando were his first of the 2026 season. The ex-Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) ace registered 43 goals and 26 assists in 49 games for his side in 2025, winning the MLS Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano was also effusive in his praise for his former Argentina and Barcelona teammate, calling him an influential figure on the pitch.
“In addition to what I have said a thousand times, the best ever to play the sport… he’s a leader whose energy is contagious. But sometimes, he needs to be inspired… he needs to see things on the field to start to believe,” Mascherano told reporters.
The 41-year-old tactician added, “In the second half, he looked much better because when we scored that quick goal, we started to find him in spaces he feels comfortable. Also, we were giving him more options. And when he has more options to work with in the attack… he clearly has the capability of finding solutions like nobody else.”
Inter Miami will next take on D.C. United in an MLS away encounter on Saturday, March 7.
