The rivalry between Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann has been one of the most consistent over the past decade, with a total of 34 head-to-head matchups across clubs and international play. They frequently faced each other in La Liga, with Messi at Barcelona and Griezmann representing Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad, as well as in matches between Argentina and France.

At club level, the two players have faced each other in 31 official matches, primarily in Spanish competitions such as La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa, as well as in the UEFA Champions League. At the international level, they have faced each other three times.

Club matchups

During those matchups, Lionel Messi has held a clear edge, recording 19 wins compared to five for Antoine Griezmann, along with seven draws. In terms of scoring efficiency, Messi has been particularly dominant, netting 26 goals against teams featuring the French forward, Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid, while Griezmann has scored six goals in those direct matchups against Barcelona.

International matchups

At the international level, the story has been different, though equally significant overall. The record stands at one win for each side and one draw, which ended in the historic penalty shootout in 2022. In terms of goals in these matchups, Lionel Messi leads with two goals, both in the 2022 final, while Antoine Griezmann has one goal, scored in the Round of 16 at the 2018 World Cup.

These were results that made history. In 2018, France went on to be crowned champions, and arguably their toughest opponent was Argentina in the Round of 16, where Antoine Griezmann scored a penalty that opened the scoring in the victory.

In contrast, Argentina responded in the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar, where Lionel Messi scored twice, one from the penalty spot to open the scoring and another in extra time to give them the lead. Griezmann was substituted in the first half of that match, where Kylian Mbappe emerged as the standout performer with a hat trick that forced a penalty shootout, where they ultimately became world champions.

What to expect in MLS

As mentioned, Antoine Griezmann is expected to arrive in MLS with Orlando City SC, where he will likely face Lionel Messi again. It will not be just another match; it will represent the Florida derby between Orlando City SC and Inter Miami, one of the most important fixtures for both teams, making it a matchup worth following when it takes place.

With the two goals, Messi reached 898 career goals, including a spectacular free kick for the fourth goal, putting Inter Miami in control and cementing his impact on the match.

Messi now trails Cristiano Ronaldo by 67 goals. Ronaldo failed to extend his own scoring record in his latest match against Al Fayha from the penalty spot, but they are still proving that both players, despite their age, continue to perform at the highest level.

Cristiano is 35 goals away from reaching a historic milestone of 1,000 career goals. With remaining matches for Al Nassr and Portugal, he appears on track to reach that unprecedented mark.

How many goals does Messi need to reach 1,000?

Messi currently sits at 898 career goals, putting him 102 goals shy of 1,000. With his contract extension at Inter Miami through 2028, it seems possible that he could achieve this remarkable milestone.

Messi’s brace at the Florida Derby

Messi’s first goal came at a crucial moment as Inter Miami pushed for an equalizer in the second half. After receiving a well-placed pass from Telasco Segovia, he created space in the box and fired a precise shot into the net, shifting the momentum and igniting Inter Miami’s comeback.

His second goal came from a stunning free kick late in the match, moments after drawing a foul. Messi curled a perfectly placed strike that left the goalkeeper with no chance, sealing the comeback and capping a decisive performance for Inter Miami against Orlando City.

Not only did Messi score once, he did it twice with two wonderful goals. Far from satisfied, Messi participated in Telasco Segovia’s game-winner, too. The Herons were fighting for their first points in the 2026 MLS campaign, and their captain made sure to make his presence felt in Orlando.

If there is something Messi has proven time and again, it is that he can score from every angle and indiscriminately. He can beat goalkeepers with his left foot, right foot, headers, knees, chest—he even tried to score with his hand once.

This time, however, he scored for Inter Miami with his preferred weapon: his left foot. In classic Messi style, the Argentine ace made waves all around the league. With him back at it, the Herons are a menace, and the MLS should take cover.

Messi and Inter Miami come from behind for huge win

They say the more things change, the more they stay the same. For Messi and Inter Miami, that may be as much a truth as it might be a blatant lie. After breaking the piggy bank to acquire Germán Berterame and undergoing a major roster shakeup, the Herons have struggled to start the 2026 MLS season.

However, Messi is still scoring and posing a threat from every spot on the pitch. At 38 years old and with the 2026 World Cup in his crosshairs, Messi knows just how crucial it is for his side to start the year on the right foot. After trailing 2–0 at the break, Messi and company rallied from behind to win 4-2 on the road.

Reports of Inter Miami’s demise were greatly exaggerated. The defending MLS Cup champions are alive and well, brought back to life by yet another incredible outing from Messi.

Inter Miami finally win in Orlando

In epic fashion, Inter Miami secured their first win in franchise history in Orlando. It took a while—precisely 10 games—but the Herons have finally walked away from The City Beautiful with all three points. In the past nine visits to Orlando, Inter Miami had lost five times (once in a draw and penalty shootout) and drawn the rest.

The tenth time was the charm, as Messi and Inter Miami finally slayed their ghosts at Inter&Co Stadium. While the Herons struggled on the road against their cross-state rivals, Messi had never played in Orlando before. In his first time in town, he delivered with a brace and a crucial victory for the Herons to start their push for back-to-back MLS Cup titles.

According to Jose Armando Rodriguez of Deporte Total, Suarez is sidelined due to discomfort he suffered during Friday’s training. The 39-year-old striker joins the injury list alongside Sergio Reguilon, who is still recovering from a knee issue.

In Suarez’s absence, German Berterame will play up front. The Mexico international joined Inter Miami from Liga MX side Monterrey in this year’s transfer window. Orlando City also confirmed multiple absences.

The home team listed Wilder Cartagena (thigh), Joran Gerbet (knee), and Robin Jansson (foot) as out, while Eduard Atuesta, Adrian Marin, and Luis Otavio remain doubtful due to physical concerns.

Suarez’s declining form

Last year, Suarez scored only 10 goals and provided 10 assists, roughly half the total he registered during 2024. His dip in form kept him out of the MLS Cup final against Vancouver Whitecaps and limited him to just 22 combined minutes against New York City FC (8 minutes) and FC Cincinnati (14 minutes).

Golden opportunity for Berterame

Suarez’s reduced impact forced Inter Miami to spend a significant sum on Berterame. Miami reportedly forked out around $15 million for the Argentine-born, naturalized Mexican forward.

Berterame scored 11 goals and added two assists last season with Monterrey. After going scoreless in Inter Miami’s season opener against LAFC, he now takes on the responsibility of being the club’s main goal threat.

Berterame knows a lot is at stake this first semester at Inter Miami. Not only does he carry the expectations of the defending MLS champions, but he also dreams of earning a call-up to represent Mexico at this year’s World Cup.

Orlando City took early control of the match and built a 2-0 advantage with efficient attacking plays, capitalizing on Inter Miami’s defensive struggles. However, the momentum shifted after halftime as Inter Miami increased intensity and control through midfield.

Inter Miami completed the comeback with goals from Mateo Silvetti, Lionel Messi, and Telasco Segovia, sealing the win with a stunning late free kick from Messi. The victory marks a crucial turning point early in the 2026 MLS season for the Herons.

Oscar Pareja’s men got off to a shaky start, falling at home to the New York Red Bulls 2-1. This derby presents a great opportunity for them to quickly recover from their most recent setback.

For their part, the Herons experienced the same fate, though their loss was even more lopsided. On their visit to the West Coast, Messi’s Inter Miami were thrashed 3-0 by LAFC.

Orlando City’s lineup

With the goal of securing their first win of the season, here’s the starting eleven for Orlando City: Maxime Crepeau; Griffin Dorsey, Nolan Miller, David Brekalo, Tahir Reid-Brown; Marco Pasalic, Braian Ojeda, Colin Guske, Ivan Angulo; Duncan McGuire, Martin Ojeda.

Inter Miami’s starting XI in the Florida Derby

One of the main questions on everyone’s mind was whether Lionel Messi will play against Orlando City today in the Florida Derby. As expected, the Argentine star will play from the get-go.

Inter Miami’s starting lineup: Dayne St. Clair; Facundo Mura, Maximiliano Falcon, Micael, Noah Allen; Rodrigo De Paul, Yannick Bright, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi, German Berterame, Tadeo Allende.

Fortunately, Messi enters Matchday 2 fit and ready. With no injuries or issues hindering his participation, Messi is starting for Inter Miami after their defeat to LAFC, where they fell 3-0.

Although the season is just underway, Messi and his teammates are determined to secure their first victory of the campaign against Orlando City. Notably, Orlando lost a key player in the offseason, with Colombian striker Luis Muriel leaving for Junior de Barranquilla.

Orlando City, seeking their first MLS win of the season, also look to capitalize on the home advantage. After a 2-1 defeat to the New York Red Bulls in their opener, Orlando is eager to deliver a strong performance against Messi and Inter Miami in front of its home crowd.

Messi’s first outing in Orlando since joining MLS

In his third year in MLS, Messi is poised to grace the Orlando field for the first time with Inter Miami. However, Luis Suarez won’t be playing for Inter Miami today. According to Jose Armando Rodriguez of Deporte Total, the Uruguayan striker felt pain in Friday’s practice and therefore stayed in Miami.

Inter Miami’s confirmed lineup

With Messi leading the charge, Inter Miami are fielding their full-strength squad in today’s clash against Orlando City. Here is Inter Miami’s confirmed lineup against Orlando City:

Dayne St. Clair; Facundo Mura, Maximiliano Falcon, Micael, Noah Allen; Rodrigo De Paul, Yannick Bright, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi, German Berterame, Tadeo Allende.

Griezmann is in advanced talks with Orlando City of MLS about finishing his career in Florida. According to Tom Bogert, the franchise’s sporting director and general manager, Ricardo Moreira traveled repeatedly to Madrid to negotiate and attempt to convince “El Principito” to complete an immediate transfer.

In addition, according to Cesar Luis Merlo, discussions are ongoing with Atletico Madrid to purchase his transfer rights and sign him to a three-year contract. The transfer window in the United States closes March 26, and Orlando City remain confident they can complete what would be a marquee signing.

The Florida club holds the player’s discovery rights, giving it priority in MLS. The French forward has never hidden his interest in American sports, publicly declaring himself a particular fan of the NFL and the NBA.

Another possible destination for Griezmann

Other MLS clubs have shown interest in the former Barcelona forward, who last season was linked with a possible move to Los Angeles FC, where his France teammate and friend Hugo Lloris currently plays. After several meetings with Atletico Madrid’s leadership, Griezmann chose to remain in Madrid and extend his contract, a move widely viewed as financial restructuring to spread his salary over additional years.

It appears unlikely that the France international, a World Cup champion with France, will leave Atletico Madrid in the middle of the season, although the offer could remain on the table in the summer. Atletico Madrid are still alive in Copa del Rey, where they moved closer to the final after a 4-0 first-leg win over Barcelona in the semifinals, and they are set to face Club Brugge in the Champions League in a decisive match for a place in the round of 16.

Messi and Griezmann rivalry

The rivalry between Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann has been marked by a clear statistical edge for the Argentine, particularly during their years in Spain, where they were also teammates in Barcelona. In direct club matchups, mainly Barcelona against Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad, Messi prevails in the majority of meetings. Before leaving Europe, Messi recorded 19 wins, 9 draws and 6 losses against teams featuring Griezmann.

At the international level, the balance was more even and delivered the most emotionally charged moments for both players. The most iconic clash came in the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar, when Argentina defeated France on penalties after a dramatic 3-3 draw, securing Messi’s first World Cup title.

However, Griezmann also experienced a moment of triumph against Messi, France’s 4-3 victory over Argentina in the round of 16 at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. In that match, “Grizi” scored from the penalty spot and helped eliminate Argentina. Overall, combining club and international competitions, Messi leads the head-to-head record with 20 wins to Griezmann’s 7, and a potential move to MLS could renew that rivalry.

“Leo Messi is unavailable for tomorrow. It would be crazy to take the risk of playing him with everything that’s coming up, but we’re optimistic that he’ll be back with us soon,” Javier Mascherano said in press conference. The Argentine star’s absence due to injury might extend up to 15 days. However, Mascherano has opted not to disclose a specific return date, ensuring the star forward’s recovery is not rushed.

Although Lionel Messi has yet to fully recover, he made a significant stride today by training individually, reported journalist Jose Armando Rodriguez. He also suggests that Messi might make his much-anticipated return against U.A.N.L Tigres in the 2025 Leagues Cup. In the meantime, Inter Miami have proven their competitiveness in his absence, giving head coach Javier Mascherano an extra boost to maintain their strong form.

Who will fill Lionel Messi’s spot in Inter Miami’s starting lineup during his expected absence?

With Lionel Messi on the field, Inter Miami craft an ideal setup that allows the Argentine star to glide effortlessly across the offensive front. In his absence, Rodrigo De Paul has the versatility to step into Messi’s attacking midfield role. His performance against Pumas, where he excelled, exemplifies this capability.

While De Paul typically operates as a box-to-box player, his offensive prowess enables him to make significant contributions, including scoring goals. He consistently impacts the creative aspects of the game while maintaining his defensive responsibilities. Nonetheless, Tadeo Allende and Benjamin Cremaschi are also viable options for this role, having adeptly filled it in previous games.

The Florida derby between Inter Miami and Orlando City promises to be highly competitive

Despite Inter Miami’s recent competitive surge, their matchups with Orlando City suggest a much closer contest. Lionel Messi’s squad has secured just one victory in their last five meetings, with three ending in draws. Adding to the challenge, their most recent encounter saw the Herons suffer a decisive 3-0 defeat.

Orlando City’s dynamic attacking duo, Luis Muriel and Martin Ojeda, aims to shine as they take on Inter Miami’s defense. In their recent outing, they netted five goals, showcasing exceptional form and confidence. Meanwhile, the defensive partnership of Maximiliano Falcon and Gonzalo Lujan has excelled, effectively minimizing any potential vulnerabilities. As a result, fans can anticipate a closely contested and evenly matched encounter.

[Watch Orlando City SC vs LA Galaxy online in the US on Apple TV]

It will be a duel between teams in great need. On the one hand, there will be the locals, Orlando City, who the previous Matchday lost a key game against DC United, since with the defeat they left the qualification zone for the postseason, and their rivals from that Matchday 9 entered their place.

On the other will be Los Angeles Galaxy, who are having a really bad season, and well below what was expected of them. However, the previous Matchday they finally achieved their first victory in the championship and now they are going, like their rivals in this match, for the recovery.

When will Orlando City SC vs LA Galaxy be played?

The game for the Matchday 10 of the 2023 MLS between Orlando City SC and LA Galaxy at the Orlando City Stadium in Orlando, Florida will be played today, April 29 at 7:30 PM (ET).

Orlando City SC vs LA Galaxy: Time by State in the US

ET: 7:30 PM
CT: 6:30 PM
MT: 5:30 PM
PT: 4:30 PM

How to watch Orlando City SC vs LA Galaxy

This 2023 MLS game between Orlando City SC and LA Galaxy will be broadcast in the United States on Apple TV.

[Watch Orlando City SC vs Tigres UANL online free in the US on FuboTV]

It was one of the toughest series of the round of 16 and it was like that in the first game where neither team could take advantage. It was a 0-0 that left everything open for both to define who will go to the quarterfinals in the game of the second leg, which undoubtedly promises to be very intense.

Orlando City SC will have the advantage of defining the series as locals, although they know that this is not enough to be overconfident since their rivals are one of the best teams in the Liga MX, Tigres UANL, a team that also has great experience in the international tournaments.

When will Orlando City SC vs Tigres UANL be played?

The game for the second leg of the Concacaf Champions League round of 16 between Orlando City SC and Tigres UANL at the Orlando City Stadium, Orlando, Florida will take place this Wednesday, March 15 at 8:15 PM (ET).

Orlando City SC vs Tigres UANL: Time by State in the US

ET: 8:15 PM
CT: 7:15 PM
MT: 6:15 PM
PT: 5:15 PM

How to watch Orlando City SC vs Tigres UANL

This game for the second leg of the Concacaf Champions League round of 16 between Orlando City SC and Tigres UANLcan be watched in the United States on FuboTV (free trial). Other options: Fox Sports 2, TUDN.com, TUDN USA, Foxsports.com, TUDN App, FOX Sports App.