Messi and Suárez lead the Latino invasion in Florida as rivalry blossoms

Beyond sharing the state of Florida, Friday’s match between Inter Miami and Orlando City promises to bring an even stronger Latino atmosphere than usual. The two clubs boast the highest number of South American players in Major League Soccer, a distinction that sets them apart from the rest of the league.

Between them, the teams have 28 South American players – 14 on each squad – more than any of the other 30 MLS teams.

Of Miami’s 14 South American players, 10 hold Argentine nationality, including Benjamin Cremaschi and Santiago Morales, who represent the United States, as well as Héctor David Martínez, who plays for Paraguay.

Colombia leads the way in Orlando City

Orlando City has a more balanced mix of nationalities, but Colombian representation stands out the most – especially considering that their head coach is Óscar Pareja.

Orlando currently has four Colombian players, including recent signings Eduard Atuesta, who arrived from LAFC, and 20-year-old Nicolás Rodríguez, who joined from Fortaleza in Colombia.

“Profe Pareja has done a great job since arriving, and every year this team improves. Last year, we were one game away from the final, losing in the conference championship. Eduard (Atuesta) knows this league very well, so adapting here has been easy for him, especially in a team with so many Latinos. Iván (Angulo) is in his fourth year at the club, and the fans love him - he’s eager to do well. Then there’s Nicolás (Rodríguez). We’re five Colombian players plus the coach. We’re proud to represent Colombia and take our flag as high as possible,” said Colombian forward Luis Muriel in a press conference.

Miami-Orlando: a budding rivalry in Florida

Despite Inter Miami’s short history in the MLS, the two clubs are developing a rivalry based on their shared home state. “It’s like any derby, a match of its own. The tension rises, and you don’t prepare for it the same way as you do for other opponents. From the moment I arrived, I was made aware of its importance, and I’ve taken it as seriously as the biggest derbies I’ve played in,” Muriel added.

Inter Miami and Orlando City will face off on Friday, February 14, at 7:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. CT and 4:30 p.m. PT) at Raymond James Stadium, home of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in a preseason clash ahead of next week’s MLS kickoff. There will be little love lost this Valentine’s Day in Florida.

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