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No Messi, No Problem? Short-Handed Inter Miami Faces Rival Orlando City in Florida Derby
The marquee matchup of the Major League Soccer weekend has been fundamentally altered. The Florida Derby, a heated rivalry clash between two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, will be missing its brightest star. Global icon Lionel Messi has been ruled out of Sunday night’s contest with a minor muscle injury, a massive blow to his Inter Miami CF side. For the host, Orlando City SC, it is a golden opportunity to secure a season sweep over their biggest rivals. For Inter Miami, it is the ultimate test of their “next man up” mentality and a chance to prove they are more than just a one-man team.
The Messi-Sized Hole in the Lineup
Anytime Lionel Messi is not on the pitch, it is a significant loss not just for his team, but for the entire league. The Argentine superstar is in the midst of another spectacular season, and his absence will be deeply felt. Inter Miami head coach Tata Martino confirmed on Saturday that Messi would not travel with the team to Orlando, choosing to rest a minor leg injury. There is currently no timetable for his return.
The impact of losing a player of Messi’s caliber is impossible to overstate. It’s not just about the goals and assists he provides, but the gravitational pull he has on the entire match. His presence on the field creates space for his teammates, draws the attention of multiple defenders, and instills a palpable sense of fear in the opposition. Now, the burden of carrying the attack falls to the other stars in the Miami lineup, most notably the legendary Uruguayan striker, Luis Suarez.
Suarez, who scored in Miami’s midweek Leagues Cup victory, has been a fantastic partner for Messi all season. But according to his teammates, his own brilliant performances have often been overshadowed by Messi’s greatness. “He is insane,” said Miami’s Yannick Bright. “Even at his age, he still makes the difference… I think his performances get overlooked by Messi’s performances, but they are there every game and he does his job every game. We are so grateful for him.” On Sunday, Suarez will have the chance to be the undisputed main man, a challenge he will surely relish.
The table below provides a snapshot of two of the most potent attacking teams in the Eastern Conference.
| Team | Record (2025) | Standings | Goals For | Goals Against |
| Inter Miami CF | 12-4-6 | 5th in East | 49 | 31 |
| Orlando City SC | 11-6-8 | 4th in East | 46 | 33 |
Orlando’s Quest for a Repeat Performance
While Miami is dealing with the loss of their superstar, Orlando City is brimming with confidence. They have every reason to believe they can win this match, because they have already done it this season in dominant fashion. In the first meeting between these two rivals on May 18, Orlando traveled to Fort Lauderdale and dismantled Inter Miami in a stunning 3-0 victory. What made that result even more impressive was that Lionel Messi played in that match. They didn’t just beat a short-handed team; they beat Inter Miami at full strength, on their home pitch.
Orlando will look to replicate that performance by relying on their own high-powered attack. They have scored at least one goal in each of their past 14 league matches and are one of the highest-scoring teams in the East. Their attack is led by Martin Ojeda, who has 13 goals on the season, and the clinical Luis Muriel, who scored in the first meeting against Miami. “(Muriel) was very clinical in the final third,” said Orlando City coach Oscar Pareja. “That’s something I see every day in training.”
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The psychological impact of a previous blowout win, combined with the absence of the opponent’s best player, gives Orlando a massive mental edge, a topic often explored in our expert betting guide.
Key Attacker Showdown
This match will feature a fantastic battle between two of the best attacking duos in the Eastern Conference, even with Messi’s absence.
| Player | Team | Position | Key Stat (2025) |
| Luis Suarez | Inter Miami CF | Striker | 12 Goals, 6 Assists |
| Martin Ojeda | Orlando City SC | Forward | 13 Goals, 4 Assists |
The Betting Outlook
The scores and odds for this match will have shifted dramatically with the news of Messi’s injury. Orlando City, playing at home and with the confidence of their previous 3-0 victory, will likely be the favorites. For Inter Miami, this is a chance to prove their championship mettle. For more analysis of their previous results, you can view the official Inter Miami CF team page. To see who our experts are backing in this heated Florida Derby, check out our daily soccer picks.
