Inter Miami CF endured a tough 4-1 loss to Orlando City on August 10, 2025, at Chase Stadium in Florida, with the team noticeably hampered by the absence of Lionel Messi. The Argentine superstar’s injury has left growing concerns over his availability, coinciding with Orlando City’s emerging dominance in this heated Florida rivalry. This loss marks a significant setback for Miami in their bid for the Supporters’ Shield during a crucial stretch of the Major League Soccer (<a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/soccer/mls/”>MLS) season.
The Circumstances Behind Lionel Messi’s Injury and Its Effects on Miami
Messi sustained a muscle injury in his right leg early during a Leagues Cup match against Club Necaxa on August 2, when he went down after an awkward encounter with two defenders. He left the pitch clutching his leg in visible pain and missed the subsequent game against Pumas UNAM. Inter Miami’s head coach Javier Mascherano addressed the situation:
Leo is fine. It will be crazy to take him to Orlando, because of everything that is ahead [games ahead], but we are optimistic that he will be back with the team soon,
highlighting the cautious optimism surrounding Messi’s condition. Without their captain, Miami struggled to fill the leadership void on the field, which heavily contributed to their defeat against Orlando City.
Orlando City Capitalizes on Miami’s Vulnerability in Absence of Messi
Orlando City took full advantage of Messi’s absence by delivering a commanding performance guided by head coach Óscar Pareja. Colombian forward Luis Muriel, buoyed by an impressive form following a Leagues Cup hat trick, opened the scoring just two minutes into the game. His calm finish from inside the box gave Orlando an early hold over the match. Despite Miami’s attempts to regain control, including a notable volley from young midfielder Yannick Bright that equalized the score quickly, the visitors could not sustain their momentum. Bright’s volley electrified the crowd, briefly leveling the game at 1-1.
Insane first five minutes in the Inter Miami v Orlando City match. 2′ – Luis Muriel scores for the fourth time in two games after going 14 games without a goal. 5′ – Yannick Bright scores a volley from distance. 1–1 without Messi.pic.twitter.com/MlSiaYh7lV— Ben Steiner (@BenSteiner00) August 11, 2025
However, Orlando quickly regained their dominance through swift counterattacks and individual brilliance. The turning point came late in the game when Marco Pasalic found space unmarked inside the box and, despite a strong initial save from Miami’s goalkeeper Ustari, he capitalized on the rebound to seal a memorable 4-1 victory. This emphatic win not only sparked celebrations among Orlando City fans but also intensified the rivalry and highlighted how critical Messi’s presence is to Miami’s competitiveness.
Details on Lionel Messi’s Recovery Timeline and Prospects
Messi’s injury requires a minimum 10-day recovery period, meaning he has yet to complete the mandatory rest following the August 2 match incident. Expectations are that he will undergo medical evaluation next week, which will determine if he will be cleared to return to play. Inter Miami’s next match is against the struggling Los Angeles Galaxy on August 16, 2025, at Chase Stadium, where kickoff is set for 7:30 PM ET. Given the injury’s minor classification, there is cautious hope that Messi will be fit to participate in upcoming matches, including the Leagues Cup quarterfinals against Tigres.
The official statement emphasized that
his medical clearance will hinge on how well he responds to treatment and his overall recovery.
The fine balance between rushing back and ensuring full fitness will be a key factor in the Argentine’s return and performance, especially with critical fixtures approaching.
The Impact of Messi’s Absence on Inter Miami’s Season Outlook
So far, Messi’s injury has caused him to miss important games both in the Leagues Cup and MLS, including clashes against Pumas UNAM and Orlando City. Reports from Marca suggest he may be available for upcoming matches scheduled on August 16 against the LA Galaxy, August 20 against the Tigres, and August 23 against DC United. His early return would provide a crucial boost to Miami’s lineup, but doubts remain over his match readiness and ability to contribute effectively against high-caliber opponents.
The loss to Orlando City starkly highlights how pivotal Messi is for Inter Miami’s prospects, not only as a leading scorer but also as the team’s guiding presence on the pitch. The club now faces an anxious period where they must navigate important fixtures without their star player while hoping for a swift and full recovery. The competitive pressure from teams like Orlando City, combined with internal challenges, makes the upcoming weeks vital for the trajectory of their MLS campaign.