Orlando City and Inter Miami CF are set to renew their rivalry in the Florida Derby as Orlando City hosts Inter Miami on Sunday Night Soccer at 7 pm ET, streamed on Apple TV. Since Lionel Messi’s high-profile transfer to Inter Miami in 2023, their matchups have become some of the most anticipated clashes in MLS, with Messi already scoring six goals in four games against Orlando City.
Memorable Victory for Inter Miami in 2023 Leagues Cup
The first significant confrontation between Messi and Orlando City happened on August 2, 2023, during the Round of 32 in the Leagues Cup. Shortly after making his MLS debut, Messi showcased his extraordinary skill by opening the scoring just seven minutes into the match. Although Orlando City responded quickly when César Araújo equalized ten minutes later, Inter Miami regained control when Josef Martínez converted a penalty in the 51st minute. Messi then sealed the win with a goal in the 72nd minute, helping Inter Miami secure a 3-1 victory and setting the stage for their eventual Leagues Cup 2023 championship, the first major trophy for Messi in the United States.
Dominant MLS Start in 2024 with a 5-0 Win
On March 2, 2024, Inter Miami delivered one of their most commanding performances against Orlando City, winning 5-0 in an MLS regular-season game. Teammate Luis Suárez was pivotal, scoring twice within the first eleven minutes of the contest. Robert Taylor further extended the lead in the 29th minute. Messi then added two second-half goals between the 57th and 62nd minutes, completing a comprehensive rout and underscoring the threat Inter Miami posed with its Argentine captain leading the charge.
Orlando City’s First Messi Era Triumph in 2025
Orlando City finally recorded their first win over Inter Miami since Messi’s arrival with a decisive 3-0 victory on May 18, 2025. The match remained scoreless until the 43rd minute when Luis Muriel broke through with a breakaway goal. Marco Pašalić doubled the advantage shortly after halftime, and Dagur Thorhallsson added a late goal during stoppage time. This win ended Inter Miami’s four-match unbeaten streak against Orlando and marked a significant turning point in the rivalry during the Messi era.
Orlando City Completes Season Double Over Miami
Just three months following their first win, Orlando City continued to assert dominance by beating Inter Miami 4-1 on August 10, 2025, at Inter&Co Stadium, notably with Messi absent from the lineup. The opening minutes saw rapid responses from Luis Muriel and Miami’s Yannick Bright trading early goals. However, Orlando City quickly pulled ahead as Muriel completed his brace by scoring in the 50th minute. Martín Ojeda and Marco Pašalić added further goals in the second half, securing a commanding victory and bragging rights in the Florida Derby for that season.
Inter Miami’s Late 2025 Leagues Cup Semifinal Win
On August 27, 2025, Inter Miami halted Orlando’s momentum in the Leagues Cup semifinals, with Messi playing a decisive role in the 3-1 result that guaranteed Miami a spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. Orlando City opened scoring through Marco Pašalić just before halftime, but Messi responded with a penalty goal in the 77th minute to tie the game. He then scored the winning goal in the 88th minute, before Telasco Segovia secured the final tally. While Miami subsequently lost the Leagues Cup final to Seattle Sounders FC, the team went on a strong postseason run and captured the MLS Cup in 2025.
This series of encounters captures the evolving intensity between Orlando City and Inter Miami, with Messi’s influence dramatically shaping the rivalry. Their continued clashes promise thrilling moments ahead, as both teams seek dominance within Florida and throughout MLS.
