Inter Miami look to snap a two-game winless streak in the Florida derby against Orlando City, and all eyes are on Lionel Messi. Fans are eager to know if the star forward will take the field in this crucial matchup.
Despite a good start to the season, Inter Miami have now gone two consecutive games without a win. Because of that, tonight’s Florida Derby offers a great chance to bounce back and climb the Eastern Conference standings. Now, they face a tough challenge against Orlando City. As a result, all eyes are on Lionel Messi.
In 2025, the Argentine star has played 16 matches. He has 10 goals and 3 assists in those appearances. However, he did not score in the recent 3–3 draw against the San Jose Earthquakes. Therefore, fans expect him to step up tonight against Orlando City with either a goal or an assist.
Still, his presence in the game is not confirmed yet. Some fans doubt he will start due to his heavy minutes in recent games. In Inter Miami’s last four matches, Messi played the full 90 minutes each time. Despite that, he trained normally this week with Javier Mascherano’s squad. So, expectations point to him starting in the Florida Derby.
Inter Miami expected lineup
Throughout the season, coach Javier Mascherano has kept a consistent structure. He typically uses a 4-2-3-1 formation. Then, during games, it often shifts into a 4-3-3 that favors possession. Because of this, he relies on a stable core of players to keep up with the tempo.
One of the key pieces is Lionel Messi, who should start against Orlando City. In addition, Luis Suarez is expected to return after missing two games. Mascherano confirmed the striker is training without any issues. So, Inter Miami should field their best lineup in this crucial derby.
- Inter Miami: Oscar Ustari; Marcelo Weigandt, Maxi Falcon, Noah Allen, Jordi Alba; Yannick Bright, Sergio Busquets; Benjamin Cremaschi, Lionel Messi, Telasco Segovia; Luis Suarez
Orlando City expected lineup
Unlike Inter Miami, Oscar Pareja’s Orlando City have not lost a match since March 8, 2025. The Colombian coach has guided his team to a consistent run of strong performances, which is why he is unlikely to make significant changes to the starting lineup. With key players Luis Muriel and Martin Ojeda available, Orlando looks set to stay the course for the upcoming clash against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.
In view of this, Pareja is expected to stick with the following starting eleven: Pedro Gallese; Alex Freeman, Rodrigo Schlegel, Robin Jansson, David Brekalo, Ivan Angulo; Marco Pasalic, Cesar Araujo, Joran Gerbet, Martin Ojeda; Luis Muriel.
How has Lionel Messi fared against Orlando City since his arrival in MLS?
Since joining Inter Miami, Messi has faced Orlando City three times. He scored four goals in those games. However, he did not score in the last two meetings. Additionally, Inter Miami have not beaten Orlando since a 5–0 win on March 2, 2024. Therefore, tonight is a chance for both Messi and the team to end those streaks and take back control of the rivalry.
From: bolavip.com
