Orlando City SC delivered a stunning performance at home, defeating Inter Miami CF 4-1 in a highly anticipated MLS clash. The Orlando City SC vs Inter Miami CF match took place at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, where the home fans witnessed a dominant display from their side. Inter Miami didn’t have their star player, Lionel Messi, because he was resting to avoid injury, and Orlando used this chance to win easily.
Why Lionel Messi Did Not Play
Lionel Messi was absent from the squad for the Orlando City SC vs Inter Miami CF match.
Reports suggest that the Inter Miami captain was given rest due to a minor fitness concern after recent back-to-back games.
Lineups
Starting XI Highlights
Orlando City SC key players:
- Luis Muriel – Key player who scored two goals and helped with one more.
- Martín Ojeda – creative engine with goal contributions in 14 consecutive matches
- Marco Pašalić – clinical finisher with his first MLS regular-season goal since July 5
Inter Miami CF key players:
- Yannick Bright – Made his First Team goal
- Notably absent: Lionel Messi wasn’t in the squad due to a minor fitness precaution. The club opted to rest him ahead of upcoming fixtures.
First Half – Orlando Takes Early Control
The home side started aggressively and got the breakthrough in the 20th minute when Facundo Torres scored with a composed finish after a defensive lapse from Inter Miami.
Just five minutes later, in the 25th minute, Duncan McGuire doubled Orlando City’s lead by capitalizing on a quick counterattack that left Miami’s defense exposed
Inter Miami struggled to create clear chances without Messi’s creativity, and despite Luis Suárez’s efforts up front, they couldn’t break Orlando’s defence.
Second Half – Orlando Seals the Victory
In the 53rd minute, Iván Angulo made it 3-0 with a well-placed shot after a brilliant assist from Torres.
Inter Miami finally found a lifeline in the 69th minute when Leonardo Campana scored from cIn the 78th minute, Torres scored his second of the night, restoring the three-goal cushion and sealing the 4-1 victory.
lose range to make it 3-1. However, Orlando responded quickly.
Goal Scorers & Timing
- Luis Muriel (Orlando City) – 2′
- Yannick Bright (Inter Miami) – 5′
- Luis Muriel (Orlando City) – 50′
- Martín Ojeda (Orlando City) – 58′
- Marco Pašalić (Orlando City) – 88′
Match Statistics
- vPossession: Orlando 47% – Miami 53%
- Shots on Target: Orlando 8 – Miami 4
- Total Shots: Orlando 14 – Miami 9
- Corners: Orlando 5 – Miami 3
- Fouls: Orlando 12 – Miami 10
Final Thoughts
The Orlando City SC vs Inter Miami CF match was a one-sided affair, with Orlando dominating both halves. Missing Messi proved costly for Inter Miami, as they lacked attacking creativity and defensive stability. Orlando’s pressing game, quick transitions, and clinical finishing made the difference.
With this win, Orlando City gains crucial points in the MLS standings, while Inter Miami will need to bounce back quickly, especially with Messi expected to return soon.
Match Summary
In the Orlando City SC vs Inter Miami CF showdown, Orlando seized control from the opening minute. Luis Muriel opened the scoring at 2′, Yannick Bright equalized at 5′. Orlando reasserted dominance after halftime—Muriel doubled his tally at 50′, Martín Ojeda extended the lead at 58′, and Marco Pašalić sealed the emphatic 4–1 win at 88′. The absence of Messi, resting for fitness reasons, left Inter Miami without their key creator, a gap Orlando exploited ruthlessly.