Orlando, FL – August 10, 2025 – In a highly anticipated Florida Derby clash, Orlando City SC delivered a commanding 4-1 victory over Inter Miami CF at Inter&Co Stadium, showcasing their dominance in front of a raucous home crowd. The match, part of the 2025 MLS regular season, highlighted Orlando’s attacking prowess and exposed Inter Miami’s struggles, particularly in the absence of their star player, Lionel Messi, who was sidelined due to a right leg injury sustained earlier in the month.
The game began with an explosive start for the Lions, as Luis Muriel struck just 90 seconds into the match, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by Inter Miami to give Orlando a 1-0 lead. The early goal set the tone for a one-sided affair, with Orlando’s relentless pressure overwhelming Miami’s backline. Muriel’s strike was assisted by Martín Ojeda, who extended his club-record streak of goal contributions to 14 matches, underlining his pivotal role in Orlando’s attack.
Inter Miami responded quickly, with midfielder Yannick Bright scoring an unassisted stunner in the 5th minute—his first career goal in his 40th MLS appearance—to level the score at 1-1. However, the equalizer proved to be a brief moment of hope for the Herons, as Orlando regained control shortly after halftime. Muriel struck again in the 50th minute, this time unassisted, weaving through Miami’s defense to restore Orlando’s lead at 2-1.
The Lions continued to pile on the pressure, with Ojeda finding the net in the 58th minute, assisted by a precise build-up play, to make it 3-1. His 14th goal of the season solidified his status as the league’s leading contributor with 27 goal involvements. Orlando sealed the emphatic victory in the 88th minute when Marco Pašalić scored an unassisted goal, capitalizing on a fatigued Miami defense to make it 4-1. Pašalić’s 10th goal of the season underscored his growing influence in his debut MLS campaign.
Orlando’s goalkeeper, Pedro Gallese, was instrumental in securing the win, making four crucial saves to keep Inter Miami’s attack at bay. Despite Miami holding 62.3% possession and outshooting Orlando 21-17, their inability to convert chances highlighted their defensive vulnerabilities and lack of cohesion without Messi. Óscar Ustari, Miami’s goalkeeper, faced a barrage of shots, managing eight saves but unable to prevent the onslaught.
The absence of Messi, who leads the MLS with 18 goals in 18 matches, was keenly felt by Inter Miami. The Herons have now lost five of their last seven matches, conceding 20 goals while scoring just 12, marking the most challenging period of the Messi era. Head coach Javier Mascherano acknowledged the team’s struggles, stating, “We as a coaching staff are failing, and we have to try to turn things around.”
For Orlando City, the victory marked their second win over Inter Miami in 2025, following a 3-0 triumph on May 18 at Chase Stadium. The result extended their unbeaten streak to 12 matches across all competitions, matching a club record. Head coach Oscar Pareja praised his team’s discipline and commitment, saying, “The players wanted so badly to give this game to the fans and the club, knowing the importance of it.”
Key performances included Muriel’s brace, bringing his season tally to eight goals, and Ojeda’s goal and assist, reinforcing his status as a cornerstone of Orlando’s attack. The Lions’ midfield, led by Joran Gerbet, effectively neutralized Miami’s attempts to control the game, while their quick transitions exploited Miami’s high defensive line.
Inter Miami now sits in sixth place in the Eastern Conference with 42 points (12-6-4), while Orlando City jumps to fourth with 41 points (11-8-6). With the FIFA Club World Cup looming in June, Miami faces mounting pressure to regain form, while Orlando looks to build on their momentum as they host Sporting Kansas City next Saturday.
This latest chapter in the Florida Derby underscores Orlando City’s growing dominance in the rivalry, with six wins in 16 encounters across all competitions. For Inter Miami, the road ahead remains challenging as they navigate a critical stretch without their talisman.
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