Germán Berterame’s First Florida Derby Goal Helps Inter Miami Rally Past Orlando City With Messi

A new Designated Player delivers early impact as Inter Miami overturns a two-goal deficit

Inter Miami’s latest chapter in the Florida Derby centered on a new name alongside a familiar one: Germán Berterame. The Mexican international forward, signed as a Designated Player in late January, scored his first derby goal as Inter Miami rallied from 2-0 down to defeat Orlando City on Sunday, March 1, 2026.

The comeback unfolded at Inter&Co Stadium after Orlando City seized early control. Orlando’s Marco Pašalić opened the scoring in the 18th minute, and Martín Ojeda doubled the advantage five minutes later, putting Inter Miami under immediate pressure in one of the league’s most heated intrastate matchups.

How the match turned: Berterame, then Messi, then late separation

The second half began with Inter Miami’s response, sparked by Berterame’s involvement in the attacking phase and increased tempo. Mateo Silvetti pulled a goal back in the 49th minute, changing the game state and forcing Orlando to defend deeper for extended spells.

Lionel Messi equalized in the 57th minute, restoring parity and shifting momentum decisively. Inter Miami’s pressure translated into a late lead when Telasco Segovia scored in the 85th minute, before Messi added a second in stoppage time from a free kick to make the result more emphatic.

• Orlando City led 2-0 inside 23 minutes.
• Inter Miami scored four unanswered goals after halftime.
• Messi finished with two goals, including a stoppage-time free kick.

Berterame’s arrival: roster strategy meets immediate production

Berterame joined Inter Miami from CF Monterrey on a contract running through the 2028–29 MLS season, with an option for 2029–30, occupying a Designated Player slot. The club’s move added a prime-age forward to a roster built around elite creators, with Berterame expected to convert chances generated by Messi and the midfield.

His derby impact comes early in his MLS tenure, following preseason appearances in which he was integrated into the attacking structure. The Florida Derby provided an immediate test: a road environment, an early deficit, and the need to produce under pressure.

Why the result matters in the rivalry’s recent context

Recent meetings have swung sharply between the teams. Orlando recorded notable victories over Inter Miami in 2025, while Inter Miami also delivered high-profile wins, including a Leagues Cup semifinal victory in late August 2025. Sunday’s match adds another data point: Inter Miami’s ability to change a game after conceding first, and the continued centrality of Messi in high-leverage moments.

Inter Miami erased a two-goal deficit with four second-half goals, powered by Messi’s brace and a key strike that opened the comeback.

For Inter Miami, the takeaway is twofold: the roster’s new attacking pieces are beginning to contribute in meaningful fixtures, and the team’s margin for recovery remains substantial when its attacking leaders find rhythm. For Orlando, the loss underscores the difficulty of protecting an early lead against an opponent capable of sustained late-game pressure.