Inter Miami surrendered a 3-0 lead against Orlando City, ultimately losing 4-3 in a match against their Florida rivals. The defeat extends their winless run at Nu Stadium. Lionel Messi contributed a goal and two assists, but Miami’s defence came under scrutiny as they dropped points at home for the fourth consecutive game.
Chaotic Start Sees Messi Involved Early
The match was chaotic from the outset, with Messi at the heart of the action. He operated in a free role, influencing the game from various positions. Telasco Segovia played a part in Miami’s first goal. Segovia delivered an angled cross, which Ian Fray headed home within the first three minutes.
Messi’s dominance continued as he provided an assist after 25 minutes, squaring the ball to Telasco Segovia for a simple finish. He then scored a goal himself, cutting onto his left foot and curling the ball into the bottom corner. Martin Ojeda scored for Orlando shortly before halftime, but Miami seemed to be in control.
Miami Dominate the First Half Before Collapse
The first half was perhaps Miami’s most convincing performance of the season. Luis Suarez and German Berterame started up front, combining effectively. By halftime, Miami had registered 10 shots on target. Maxime Crepeau’s saves prevented Miami from potentially scoring four or five goals.
Orlando’s Second Half Comeback
Orlando remained in the game and improved significantly after the break. Ojeda scored his second goal after 68 minutes and continued pressing for an equaliser. They were then awarded a penalty after a foul in the box. Orlando converted the penalty to level the score. The fourth goal came in stoppage time, with Tyrese Spicer running in behind and finishing between St. Clair’s legs after a pass from Braian Ojeda. Miami have yet to win in their new home, having now suffered their first loss at the venue after four attempts.
Player Ratings Highlight Defensive Issues
St. Clair could do little about Orlando’s first-half goal and was pretty helpless for the next two, being nutmegged for the fourth. Fray took his header incredibly well, covered defensively and linked in the final third before being removed with a worrying injury after 66 minutes. Falcon had a bit of a nightmare, never fully looked after his man, gave up a penalty, and was erratic throughout. Aviles was all over the place positionally, having no clue whether to step or drop deep. Allen didn’t see loads of Orlando attacks down his side and moved the ball well. Ruiz was rather overrun in midfield at times, although he was often outnumbered. Busquets did not have his best game, being on the ball a ton, but didn’t do much with it whatsoever. Segovia set up Fray’s goal, did loads of running and was solid, as per usual. Messi thrived in a free role, especially in the first half, contributing a goal and two assists. Taylor struggled to get into his spots after being started on the left, full of effort, but little to show for it. Berterame made a real impact, instrumental in the build up to the second goal, and could’ve had one himself.