Orlando City and Inter Miami draw 2-2 in a preseason friendly. Fans criticize Weigandt’s performance, while Messi has limited impact. Orlando prepares for the MLS season.
Orlando City SC and Inter Miami CF faced off in a preseason friendly on Friday night, February 14, 2025, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay. The match, a renewal of their Florida Derby rivalry, ended in a 2-2 draw, marking the final preseason test for both teams ahead of the 2025 MLS campaign. Orlando City is set to host the Philadelphia Union on February 22 to officially begin their MLS season.
Match Summary
Orlando City took the lead in the 15th minute with a goal from Martin Ojeda. Inter Miami responded seven minutes later when Tadeo Allende scored, assisted by Luis Suarez. Ramiro Enrique then put Orlando back in front in the 54th minute. However, Inter Miami’s new signing, Fafa Picault, scored in stoppage time to secure a 2-2 draw.
Fan Criticism of Marcelo Weigandt
Inter Miami’s Marcelo Weigandt faced criticism from fans for his performance. Playing 77 minutes at right-back before being replaced by Julian Gressel, Weigandt struggled defensively. Stats showed he lost three out of five duels, was dribbled past twice, and won only one tackle out of two attempted. He also failed to create any chances. Fans expressed their disappointment on social media, with some suggesting he was not good enough to play for Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi’s Performance
Lionel Messi started on the right wing but had a limited impact on the game. He completed three dribbles (the most in the match) but did not register a single shot on target from four attempts. He created one chance, lost five out of eight duels, and completed 25 passes from 36 attempts, achieving a 69 percent accuracy rate. Messi was substituted in the 75th minute by Santiago Morales.
Inter Miami’s Preseason
Under Javier Mascherano, Inter Miami concluded their preseason with two wins and three draws in five games. Their next challenge is against Sporting KC in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup first-round clash on Tuesday, February 18.
Orlando City’s Outlook
Orlando City is coming off their best-ever finish in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, reaching the 2024 Eastern Conference Final. The team is entering a new era in 2025, following the transfer of Facundo Torres to Palmeiras for a club-record fee. Orlando has responded by signing Marco Pašalić from HNK Rijeka.
Sources: https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/orlando-city-vs-inter-miami-how-to-watch-stream-preseason-friendly
https://www.goal.com/en/lists/inter-miami-s-perfect-preseason-comes-to-an-end-as-luis-suarez-lionel-messi-fall-flat-to-orlando-city-in-draw/bltdf4552e342941312
https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/news-worst-person-ever-touch-football-sell-nicaragua-right-now-inter-miami-fans-slam-lionel-messi-s-teammate-display-orlando-draw