Lionel Messi’s free kick and autograph gesture steal the show

March 2, 2026 Oliver Obel

Lionel Messi decided the Florida derby and then made sure Orlando City’s bench knew it.

Inter Miami’s 3–2 comeback victory on Sunday night was dramatic enough on its own. But it was Messi’s late free kick and the gesture that followed appearing to ask an Orlando staff member if he wanted an autograph that turned a regular-season MLS match into a rivalry flashpoint.

The 38-year-old Argentine scored twice as Miami overturned a 2–0 deficit, delivering their first win of the new league campaign and continuing a personal trend of decisive performances in high-pressure moments.

Orlando in Control Briefly

Orlando City looked comfortable early. Marco Pasalic and Martin Ojeda struck inside the opening 24 minutes, exposing Miami’s defensive gaps and energizing the home crowd.

For a team still searching for its first win of the season, Orlando appeared poised to make a statement against its in-state rival. Miami, meanwhile, had never won away at Orlando and seemed headed for another frustrating night.

The shift began with substitute Mateo Silvetti, whose long-range strike from roughly 25 yards cut the deficit and altered the tempo of the match. Orlando’s earlier control began to fade as Miami pressed forward.

Messi equalized soon after with a powerful effort from outside the box his first MLS goal of the 2026 season reminding the crowd that even a two-goal cushion is rarely safe when he is involved.

Messi Orchestrates the Turnaround

With five minutes remaining, Telasco Segovia completed the comeback. Messi drove toward the end line and cut the ball back into the Venezuelan’s path, leaving him with a simple finish to make it 3–2.

Then came the signature moment.

In the 90th minute, Messi curled a free kick beyond the goalkeeper to secure the win. He celebrated directly in front of Orlando supporters before turning toward the home bench and making a writing motion with his hand widely interpreted as asking if someone wanted his autograph.

According to The Guardian, the gesture followed an earlier exchange between Messi and members of Orlando’s coaching staff after the home side had taken its 2–0 lead. The British newspaper’s Pablo Iglesias Maurer described the moment as:

"Absolutely incredible from Messi: scores a free kick, squares up to the Orlando supporters’ section as he celebrates, then asks an Orlando City assistant coach if he wants his autograph. The dude truly understands a rivalry, even in MLS."

https://twitter.com/nanonymous_8460/status/2028354490806493479

Social Media Reaction

Clips of the celebration circulated quickly, with many fans praising the Argentine’s competitive edge. Some described it as elite-level “trash talk,” while others called it one of the coldest moments of his career.

The episode adds another layer to a growing rivalry between the two Florida clubs and underscores that even in MLS, Messi approaches derby matches with the same intensity that defined his years in Europe.

For Inter Miami, the bigger takeaway may be the resilience. The club had never won away to Orlando before Sunday. With DC United up next, Miami will hope the momentum carries forward.

But in a league built to elevate star power, it was once again Messi who shaped both the scoreboard and the storyline.

Sources: The Guardian