Lionel Messi and Inter Miami try to flip the script vs Orlando City

Inter Miami wants to turn the page after their defeat in the MLS 2026 season opener against LAFC. Now, Javier Mascherano’s squad has a prime opportunity to claim their first win, and what better stage than a derby showdown against Orlando City.

Amid rumors linking Antoine Griezmann to Orlando City this summer, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami will visit Óscar Pareja’s side in a match that promises plenty of action over 90 minutes.

Both teams enter the second MLS round desperate for their first win of the season. Like Inter Miami, the “Purple Lions” fell in their season opener, losing to the New York Red Bulls.

Tight turnaround for Inter Miami

Inter Miami will face Orlando just 72 hours after a friendly against Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico, which could add extra fatigue for the reigning MLS champions. However, Mascherano has had time to fine-tune his squad for this clash.

Inter Miami aims to challenge Orlando’s dominance in Florida classics

Beyond chasing three points, Inter Miami’s goal is to balance the historical record against Orlando City. Currently, Orlando leads with eight wins, four draws, and six Inter Miami victories. A win here would mark Miami’s seventh.

Still, Miami must overcome recent struggles, as well as the absence of Luis Suárez. The team has won only one of the last four meetings with Orlando City, that victory coming in the Leagues Cup. In MLS play, the Herons are on a three-game winless streak against their Florida rivals.

In those four encounters, Orlando has two wins and one draw, while Miami’s lone triumph remains the Leagues Cup semifinal victory.

Possible lineups for Orlando City and Inter Miami

Orlando City

Crepeau, Marín, Iago, David Brekalo, Griffin Dorsey, Marco Pasalic, Braian Ojeda, Wilder Cartagena, Tyrese Spicer, Martín Ojeda, Tiago.

Inter Miami

Dayne St. Clair, Noah Allen, Micael, Maxi Falcón, Ian Fray, Rodrigo De Paul, Yannick Bright, Lionel Messi, Tadeo Allende, Telasco Segovia or Mateo Silvetti, Germán Berterame.

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