Muriel Shines in Orlando’s Rout of Inter Miami Without Messi

ORLANDO, Fla. — In a dominant display, Orlando City SC secured a decisive 4-1 victory over Inter Miami CF on Sunday night. The match highlighted Orlando’s attacking prowess, with Luis Muriel scoring twice and Martín Ojeda adding a goal and an assist, while Inter Miami struggled to find answers in the absence of star player Lionel Messi.

Orlando’s Attack Overwhelms Inter Miami Defense

The match was a showcase of Orlando City’s offensive firepower from the very beginning. Luis Muriel, who has been a revelation for the club, opened the scoring just two minutes into the game. While Inter Miami quickly responded with a goal from Yannick Bright, it was Orlando who controlled the narrative. Muriel’s second goal of the night came five minutes into the second half, giving Orlando City a lead they would not relinquish.

Martín Ojeda, who has been in sensational form, continued his club-record streak of goal contributions, scoring a crucial third goal in the 58th minute. The victory was sealed by Marco Pašalić, who scored his tenth goal of the season in the 88th minute. The final score of 4-1 perfectly reflected Orlando’s clinical performance and their superiority on the field.

Inter Miami Lacks Intensity in Messi’s Absence

For Inter Miami, the match was a difficult affair. Playing without Lionel Messi, who was sidelined with a leg injury, the team appeared outmatched and unorganized. Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano was candid in his assessment of the team’s performance, criticizing their lack of intensity and desire.

“Today there are no excuses,” Mascherano stated in a post-match interview. “We didn’t have the hunger and desire that you’re not going to beat me… Clearly, they outplayed us from the first minute to the last.” The team’s goalkeeper, Óscar Ustari, was forced to make eight saves, a testament to the constant pressure Orlando City exerted. It was clear that without Messi’s presence, Inter Miami looked short of answers, struggling to mount a cohesive attack.

The Aftermath and What’s Next for Both Teams

This victory moves Orlando City into fourth place in the Eastern Conference, boosting their confidence as they continue their pursuit of the top spots. Head coach Oscar Pareja is now just one win away from reaching 100 victories across all competitions, a milestone that underscores his success with the club.

Inter Miami, despite the heavy loss, remains in sixth place. With several matches in hand against the teams above them, they still have a strong chance to improve their position. They will look to regroup and bounce back when they host the LA Galaxy on Saturday, while Orlando City will host Sporting Kansas City.