Inter Miami Crumbles in 3-0 Loss to Orlando City in Florida Derby

Lionel Messi's growing frustration is evident as Inter Miami suffers another defeat, this time at home to Orlando City. Read more about their woes.

Lionel Messi's frustration is mounting as Inter Miami's poor form persists, highlighted by a humiliating 3-0 loss to Orlando City in the Florida Derby. This defeat marks another disappointing result for the team, which now sits sixth in the Eastern Conference standings.

Inter Miami's slide down the table is largely due to their struggles in recent matches, managing only one win in their last seven games across all competitions. Orlando City, on the other hand, has been in fine form, extending their unbeaten streak to 11 matches. The visitors' goalscorers, Luis Muriel, Marco Pašalić, and Dagur Dan Thorhallson, were instrumental in securing the win.

Messi expressed his disappointment after the match, stating, “The truth is it hurts to lose another game. We’re going through a period of bad results, but we have to keep working and think about what’s coming.” He also voiced his concerns about MLS refereeing, pointing to a specific incident where a crucial call might have altered the game's course.

The loss exposed significant defensive vulnerabilities for Inter Miami, who have conceded 20 goals in their last seven matches. As they prepare for the FIFA Club World Cup, the team will need to regroup and address these issues quickly. Their upcoming fixture against Philadelphia Union will be a crucial test.

Lionel Messi questioned the refereeing after the loss, but it was clear that the team's shambolic defending, disjointed midfield, and ineffective attack were the main culprits. Luis Suarez's fading form was particularly notable.

Orlando took advantage of Miami's defensive woes, scoring in the 43rd minute when Pedro Gallese's long ball down the middle allowed Luis Muriel to run clear and slot past Oscar Ustari. The visitors continued to exploit Miami's vulnerable defense with direct attacks, and Marti Ojeda missed a chance to double the lead when he blasted over the bar after finding himself clear on goal.

“Now we'll truly see if we're a team in difficult times, because when everything's going well it's very easy,” Messi told Apple TV following the defeat.

“When difficult times come, that's when we have to be more united than ever, be a true team, and pull ourselves together,” he added.

Messi also questioned the refereeing but in truth the loss had little to do with officiating and much to do with shambolic defending, a disjointed midfield and punchless attack led by the rapidly fading Luis Suarez.

Orlando grabbed the lead in the 43rd minute with a goal of absurd simplicity - goalkeeper Pedro Gallese launched the ball down the middle of the field and Luis Muriel ran clear and slotted past Oscar Ustari.

The visitors were getting plenty of joy from going direct against a Miami back-line which was all at sea and Argentine Marti Ojeda should have done better when he found himself clear on goal but blasted over the bar.

Miami's Defensive Woes Continue

Miami's veteran goalkeeper Oscar Ustari made a crucial double save to deny Alexander Freeman and Marti Ojeda's follow-up shot. However, he was culpable for Orlando's second goal, as Marco Pašalić's low shot slipped through his hands and legs.

Miami coach Javier Mascherano attempted to salvage the game by introducing attacking players, but it was largely a case of too little, too late, as Orlando City secured a convincing 3-0 win.

The win was sealed in the fourth minute of stoppage time when Duncan McGuire's low cross from the left was slotted home by Dagur Thorhallsson.

Full time. pic.twitter.com/rUh5PHDA3e

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) May 19, 2025

Miami's recent form has been dismal, conceding 20 goals and scoring 11 in their last seven games, with their sole win coming against New York Red Bulls on May 3. Coach Javier Mascherano acknowledged his team's poor performance, saying, “I'd say for 25 or 30 minutes we had it completely under control playing in the opponent's half, but this is how it is, clearly. I'm not going to deny what the result is.”

“Unfortunately, we can't afford the mistakes we make; that's clear, but it's pointless for me to come here and tell this story, because it keeps happening.

“So, clearly, we as a coaching staff are failing in many of these ways, and we have to try to find a way around them so we don't continue failing and so the team starts getting results,” he added.

Miami's MLS campaign had been on track until they were knocked out of the CONCACAF Champions Cup by Vancouver Whitecaps. According to coach Javier Mascherano, this loss significantly impacted the team's morale.

“Clearly, something has happened where the team has lost a lot of confidence,” Mascherano said, acknowledging the noticeable dip in his team's performance and mindset following the setback.

“We have had a drop in level individually and collectively and it's clear one way or another we have tried with different schemes, different names, and still today we are hurting. We will keep trying to find a way.”