The defending MLS champions, Inter Miami, visit Orlando City today for their first Florida fixture of the season. Anticipation is high as fans eagerly await Lionel Messi‘s appearance in the Florida Derby on Matchday 2 of the 2026 MLS season.
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.
Lionel Messi of Inter Miami
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.
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