What a night of drama in South Florida! On the night Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham turned 51, his team seemed set to gift him a perfect birthday present. With Lionel Messi dazzling in his 100th club appearance, the Herons stormed to a commanding 3-0 lead over in-state rivals Orlando City. The new home stadium was buzzing, finally expecting that elusive first victory on its own turf.
But Orlando City had other plans—and a hat trick hero named Martín Ojeda.
Ojeda single-handedly turned the match on its head, scoring three goals to drag his team back from the brink. Then, in the third minute of stoppage time, Tyrese Spicer delivered the knockout blow, making it 4-3 and stunning the reigning MLS champions. The defeat snapped Inter Miami's impressive 11-game unbeaten run across all competitions.
Messi, typically the difference-maker, contributed a goal and two assists. Ian Fray and Telasco Segovia also found the net for the hosts. But it wasn't enough against a side that entered the night near the bottom of the MLS standings. Inter Miami now sits at 0-1-3 at its new venue—a frustrating start for a team with championship aspirations.
Orlando City came into the match with just two wins in their last 15 MLS matches (including playoffs) and an 0-4-1 road record this season. None of that mattered once Ojeda found his groove. He struck in the 39th minute to cut the deficit to 3-1 at halftime, then added another in the 68th minute to make things interesting.
He nearly equalized in the 73rd minute, but Inter Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair rushed off his line for a point-blank save. Ojeda wouldn't be denied, however, converting a penalty in the 78th minute to make it 3-3. He had another chance just two minutes later, with St. Clair stopping that one with his face—yes, his face—to keep the match level.
Spicer's stoppage-time winner sent Orlando into wild celebration while Messi and the Herons argued over what they felt were missed calls. The final whistle confirmed a result few saw coming.
Inter Miami now has four matches left before the MLS takes a seven-week break for the FIFA World Cup. Their upcoming opponents—Toronto, Cincinnati, Portland, and Philadelphia—all entered the weekend below .500. But after this collapse, there's no room for complacency. The Herons need to regroup quickly if they want to hold onto their crown.