Inter Miami vs. Orlando City: Lions Roar in 4-1 Florida Derby Rout

Match Overview

On August 10, 2025, Orlando City SC (11-6-8, 41 points) delivered a commanding 4-1 victory over Inter Miami CF (12-5-6, 42 points) in the second Florida Derby of the 2025 MLS regular season at Inter&Co Stadium. The Lions, led by a brace from Luis Muriel, capitalized on a depleted Inter Miami side missing superstar Lionel Messi due to a minor muscle injury. The result saw Orlando leapfrog Miami in the Eastern Conference standings, moving to fifth place while dropping Inter Miami to sixth. This loss extended Inter Miami’s struggles against Orlando, who completed a season sweep after a 3-0 win at Chase Stadium on May 18, 2025.

Key Moments

The match ignited early with Orlando City striking in the second minute. Luis Muriel, the Colombian striker, opened the scoring with a clinical finish, setting the tone for the Lions’ dominance. Inter Miami responded quickly, as midfielder Yannick Bright unleashed a stunning first-time volley from the top of the box in the fifth minute to equalize at 1-1, marking his first goal for the club.

Orlando regained control in the second half. Muriel completed his brace in the 50th minute, outmaneuvering Jordi Alba on a short corner and blasting a shot past goalkeeper Óscar Ustari. Martín Ojeda extended the lead in the 58th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to score at the near post. The final nail came in the 88th minute when Marco Pašalić broke through, with Inter Miami’s Benjamin Cremaschi narrowly failing to keep him offside, sealing the 4-1 scoreline.

Team Performances

Orlando City SC

Orlando City showcased their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. Luis Muriel was the standout, earning a 9.5/10 rating with two goals and relentless pressure on Miami’s backline. Martín Ojeda (8.8/10) contributed a goal and an assist, while Rodrigo Schlegel (7.6/10) and Cesar Araujo (7.9/10) anchored a robust defense and midfield. The Lions’ 22 shots and 47.3% possession reflected their control, with goalkeeper Pedro Gallese (6.9/10) making four crucial saves. Orlando’s recent form, including a 5-1 Leagues Cup win over Necaxa, highlights their upward trajectory under coach Oscar Pareja.

Inter Miami CF

Inter Miami struggled without Messi, who was sidelined with an upper-leg muscle strain sustained against Necaxa in the Leagues Cup. Óscar Ustari (4.6/10) faced a barrage of 22 shots, conceding four goals. The defense, including Maxi Falcón (5.1/10) and Jordi Alba (5.9/10), was exposed, particularly on set pieces and counterattacks. Yannick Bright (7.1/10) and Luis Suárez (7.2/10) were bright spots, but the absence of key players like Drake Callender, Fafa Picault, and Benjamin Cremaschi (international duty) left Miami disjointed. Rodrigo De Paul (6.3/10) showed flashes of creativity but couldn’t fill Messi’s void.

Lineups

Orlando City SC: Pedro Gallese; Alex Freeman, Rodrigo Schlegel, Robin Jansson, David Brekalo; Marco Pašalić (Dagur Dan Thorhallsson 90′), Cesar Araujo, Eduard Atuesta (Kyle Smith 84′), Ivan Angulo (Tyrese Spicer 90′); Martín Ojeda; Luis Muriel (Ramiro Enrique 83′).

Inter Miami CF: Óscar Ustari; Ian Fray (Benjamin Cremaschi 79′), Maximiliano Falcón (Gonzalo Luján 64′), Noah Allen, Jordi Alba; Sergio Busquets, Yannick Bright (Federico Redondo 84′); Tadeo Allende (Baltasar Rodríguez 79′), Rodrigo De Paul, Telasco Segovia (Fafa Picault 64′); Luis Suárez.

Impact of Messi’s Absence

Lionel Messi’s absence was a significant blow for Inter Miami. The 38-year-old, who had scored braces in five consecutive matches before his injury, was ruled out to avoid risking further damage with crucial matches looming, including a Leagues Cup quarterfinal against Tigres UANL on August 20 and an MLS clash against LA Galaxy on August 16. Coach Javier Mascherano’s cautious approach prioritized Messi’s recovery, but the Herons’ attack lacked cohesion without him, managing only 10 shots compared to Orlando’s 22.

Context and Rivalry

This match underscored Orlando City’s recent dominance in the Florida Derby. Their 3-0 win in May was described as one of the most lopsided beatdowns in the Lions’ history, and this 4-1 result further cemented their edge. Orlando has now won both meetings in 2025, with Inter Miami failing to score in open play against them this season. Despite Inter Miami’s historical home success against Orlando (winning three of four prior home games by a combined 8-1), their road struggles at Inter&Co Stadium continue, with only one win since 2023.

Both teams are in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals, with Orlando City defeating Necaxa 5-1 and Inter Miami beating Pumas 3-1. However, the MLS regular season remains critical, with both clubs vying for top-four spots in the Eastern Conference. Orlando’s 41 points from 25 games and Inter Miami’s 42 points from 22 games keep them neck-and-neck, but Orlando’s momentum gives them the edge heading into the playoff race.

How to Watch

The match was broadcast exclusively on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV+, with no traditional TV coverage. Kickoff was at 8:00 PM ET, with international times including 9:00 PM in Argentina and 6:00 PM in Mexico. Fans could also follow live updates via VAVEL’s minute-by-minute coverage.

What’s Next?

Inter Miami returns home to face LA Galaxy on August 16 at 7:30 PM ET, aiming to rebound before their Leagues Cup quarterfinal against Tigres on August 20. Orlando City, riding a 12-game unbeaten streak across all competitions, will look to maintain their form in upcoming MLS matches and their Leagues Cup campaign.

Prediction Reflections

Pre-match predictions varied, with some analysts favoring a draw due to Inter Miami’s resilience as underdogs and Orlando’s inconsistent home scoring. However, Orlando’s clinical finishing and Miami’s defensive frailties without Messi tipped the scales. Sports Mole predicted a 2-2 draw, citing Miami’s attacking quality, but Orlando’s depth proved decisive.

Conclusion

Orlando City’s 4-1 rout of Inter Miami reaffirmed their supremacy in the 2025 Florida Derby. Luis Muriel’s brace, Martín Ojeda’s flair, and a disciplined team performance exposed Inter Miami’s vulnerabilities without Lionel Messi. As both teams shift focus to the MLS playoff race and Leagues Cup, this result will linger, with Orlando gaining bragging rights and momentum in the Eastern Conference.