Inter Miami vs. Orlando City: Predicted lineups for the Florida derby with Messi in the starting XI

Chase Stadium will shine once again this Sunday as it hosts one of the hottest matchups of the MLS regular season: the Florida Derby between Inter Miami and Orlando City SC — with none other than Lionel Messi headlining the clash.

The Argentine No. 10 has been a nightmare for Orlando, boasting a perfect record against the Lions: four matches, four goals, and no defeats. He’s the top scorer in this modern rivalry and a constant threat whenever he steps on the field.

Inter Miami got off to a strong start this season but has recently struggled with fatigue and a string of poor results, having won just one of their last six games. On the flip side, Orlando City comes into the derby riding a wave of momentum and growing confidence.

The most recent meeting between these two sides took place on May 16, 2024, at the Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando — a dull 0–0 draw that failed to excite.

This highly anticipated clash is part of MLS Sunday Night Soccer, kicking off at 7 PM ET.

Messi, Suárez, and the mission to bounce back

With injuries piling up and recent losses taking a toll, Lionel Messi has been the steady force keeping Inter Miami afloat. He’s expected to reunite with Luis Suárez on the front line, as the Uruguayan striker returned to training this week following time away for personal reasons.

Head coach Javier Mascherano acknowledged the importance of the match:
“We need a strong performance to earn three points, regain confidence, and get back on track,” he said during a press conference.

Projected lineups

Inter Miami: Óscar Ustari; Marcelo Weigandt, Maxi Falcón, Noah Allen, Jordi Alba; Tadeo Allende, Federico Redondo, Sergio Busquets, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez.

Orlando City SC: Pedro Gallese; Alex Freeman, Rodrigo Schlegel, Robin Jansson, David Brekalo; César Araújo, Joran Gerbet; Marco Pašalić, Martín Ojeda, Iván Angulo, Luis Muriel.