Inter Miami - Orlando City set for Florida derby after LAFC loss

inter miami - orlando city comes this Sunday with Miami chasing its first goal of the 2026 season after a 3–0 loss to LAFC and a midweek friendly win in Puerto Rico that left Lionel Messi and other starters with minutes.

Miami arrives after a heavy loss and a quick turnaround

Inter Miami, nicknamed the Herons, fell 3–0 to LAFC one week ago in front of over 75, 000 fans, and the club’s schedule has not eased up: this Florida derby is Miami’s third game in eight days. The Herons squeezed in a delayed friendly in Puerto Rico on Thursday, beating Ecuador’s Independiente del Valle 2–1, a game that saw plenty of first-choice players get minutes, including Lionel Messi.

Messi, Berterame to lead Inter Miami attack

On Sunday, Miami seeks a first goal of the 2026 season and will lean on Lionel Messi and Germán Berterame to supply offense. Messi played in the Puerto Rico friendly and was tackled to the ground by a pitch invader and a security guard during that match.

Inter Miami - Orlando City: a goalkeeping duel framed by World Cup stakes

The match features a central storyline around goalkeepers: Orlando’s Maxime Crépeau and Miami’s Dayne St. Clair are framed as Canada’s two likely World Cup goalkeepers, setting up a head-to-head battle in goal that could decide the derby.

Orlando City’s defensive work and recent form

Orlando City come into the game looking to solidify defensively after conceding twice in the loss to Red Bull New York. That match saw Orlando allow 11 shots, forcing new goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau to make 11 saves and earn a rare man of the match honor despite being the losing goalkeeper. Under manager Óscar Pareja, the Lions have shown immense progression but have yet to enjoy a campaign as true title contenders; if Orlando fall short of three points for the second week to start the campaign, concerns could arise quickly.

Key players for Orlando: Ojeda and Pašalić

Orlando will rely on Martín Ojeda in attacking midfield as he looks for his first goal contributions of the season after a 2025 campaign with 16 goals and 15 assists. Marco Pašalić hopes to find form with an eye on a potential depth role with Croatia’s World Cup squad this summer.