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.
Despite his heavy minutes in recent games, Messi will start tonight. 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.
Inter Miami’s 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.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF controls the ball against the San Jose Earthquakes at PayPal Park on May 14, 2025 in San Jose, California.
One of the key pieces is Lionel Messi, who is starting against Orlando City. In addition, Luis Suarez is returning after missing two games. Mascherano confirmed the striker has trained without any issues.
see also
Lionel Messi’s future at Inter Miami, discussed by star teammate Jordi Alba
- Inter Miami’s starting eleven: Oscar Ustari, Ian Fray, Gonzalo Lujan, Maximiliano Falcon, Noah Allen, Tadeo Allende, Yannick Bright, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez.
Orlando City’s lineup
Unlike Inter Miami, Oscar Pareja’s Orlando City have not lost a match since March 8, 2025. 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.
- Orlando City’s lineup: 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.
