Inter Miami vs Orlando City: Messi’s First Orlando Appearance & Florida Derby Showdown
Lionel Messi is set to grace Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando for the first time as Inter Miami takes on Orlando City in a highly anticipated MLS matchup on Sunday night. This second game of the MLS season promises fireworks, with a fierce rivalry and exciting new players taking center stage.
Messi’s Orlando Debut & Team Updates
Since arriving in MLS in the summer of 2023, Lionel Messi has played in stadiums across the league, but a trip to Orlando remained elusive. He missed all three previous games against Orlando City, but is now confirmed to be healthy and available for selection. Messi trained with his teammates on Saturday and traveled with the team, much to the delight of fans.
Unfortunately, Messi won’t be joined by close friend Luis Suarez, who will miss the game due to a lower leg injury. Suarez experienced discomfort during Saturday’s training session and has been ruled out.
Introducing German Berterame: Miami’s New Striker
Orlando fans will also get their first glimpse of Inter Miami’s new $15 million forward, German “Berte” Berterame. The Argentine-born, naturalized Mexican citizen, arrives from Monterrey with an impressive goal-scoring record of 68 goals in 153 games. Berterame is expected to form a dynamic partnership with Messi, bringing energy and productivity to the Miami attack.
“It’s always a big deal to play in a clásico, no matter where you are,” Berterame stated. He emphasized the team’s focus on this crucial match, adding, “What happened in our first game is in the past. We expect to be ready and at 100 percent.” He also highlighted the allure of playing alongside elite players like Messi, Rodri De Paul, and Luis Suarez, stating that Suarez will be a great example for him.
A Familiar Feeling for Berterame
Despite his Mexican citizenship, Berterame feels a strong connection to his Argentine roots, finding comfort among the numerous Argentine teammates and coaching staff at Inter Miami. “I feel like an Argentine because I maintain those roots,” he explained. “But I also feel Mexican around my Mexican teammate. It’s a good feeling.”
Looking Back: Recent Form & Rivalry History
Both teams are eager to bounce back from opening-day defeats. Miami suffered a 3-0 loss to LAFC, while Orlando fell 2-1 to the New York Red Bulls. Miami quickly rebounded with a 2-1 victory over Independiente de Valle in a rescheduled friendly, with Messi scoring the winning goal from a penalty. The match was briefly disrupted by pitch invaders attempting to reach Messi.
The rivalry between Inter Miami and Orlando City is well-documented. Last year, Orlando dominated the regular season series, winning 3-0 at home and 4-1 on the road. However, Miami gained revenge in the Leagues Cup semifinals, securing a 3-1 victory with a brace from Messi. Messi boasts an impressive record against Orlando, with six goals and one assist in four career appearances.
Key Players to Watch
Keep an eye on Orlando’s Marco Pasalic, who scored three times against Miami last season, and Martín Ojeda, with two goals and two assists in six games. The battle between Canadian goalkeepers Dayne St. Clair (Miami) and Maxime Crepeau (Orlando) adds another layer of intrigue to the match. Both players recently joined their respective Florida clubs after being teammates on the Canadian national team. Crepeau made an impressive debut with 11 saves against the Red Bulls.
“We’ve been together for four or five years with the national team,” Crepeau said. “The fact that we can have a bit of spice into that rivalry is special.”
Sunday’s match promises to be an intense and captivating encounter, fueled by rivalry, new talent, and the presence of a global icon in Lionel Messi. MLS Soccer fans are in for a treat!
