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Few rivalries in Major League Soccer have grown as quickly—or as intensely—as the Florida Derby. When Inter Miami CF and Orlando City SC meet, the match is about more than three points. It is a battle for regional pride, contrasting identities, and increasingly, league relevance.
With another chapter approaching, here is a full breakdown of why this rivalry matters, how it evolved, and what to expect this time around.
The Florida Derby: Why It Matters
Orlando City joined Major League Soccer in 2015, while Inter Miami entered the league in 2020. Despite Miami’s later arrival, the rivalry ignited immediately due to geography, fan culture, and competitive balance.
The first-ever meeting between the two clubs took place on July 8, 2020, during the MLS is Back Tournament. Played behind closed doors due to COVID-19 restrictions, Orlando City claimed a 2–1 victory. Inter Miami’s Juan Agudelo scored the first goal in rivalry history, but goals from Chris Mueller and Nani turned the match in Orlando’s favor.
Even without fans in attendance, the intensity was clear from the start.
Head-to-Head Snapshot
Matches played: 17
Orlando City wins: 6
Inter Miami wins: 5
Draws: 6
Goals scored: Inter Miami 26 | Orlando City 23
Goals per match average: ~2.9
Key recent results:
Inter Miami’s most dominant win: 5–0 (March 2024)
Orlando’s biggest victory: 3–0 (May 2025)
Knockout Drama: The Open Cup Chapter
The rivalry moved beyond league play in 2022, when the clubs met in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
Inter Miami, competing in the tournament for the first time, faced Orlando City in a knockout clash at Exploria Stadium. The match ended 1–1 after extra time, with midfielder Jean Mota scoring Miami’s goal—his first for the club—assisted by Joevin Jones, also registering his first assist in pink.
Orlando City ultimately prevailed on penalties, ending Miami’s Open Cup run, but the encounter further cemented the rivalry’s edge and postseason relevance.
The Messi Era Changes Everything
The Florida Derby entered a new phase in mid-2023 when Inter Miami signed Lionel Messi, alongside former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
The first derby after those signings came in the Leagues Cup Round of 32. Miami delivered a statement performance, defeating Orlando City 3–1, with Messi scoring twice and Josef Martínez adding the third.
Inter Miami went on to win the Leagues Cup, securing the first trophy in club history and elevating the derby’s national and international profile overnight.
Racing for Redemption
Orlando City currently hold the momentum. Their 3–0 MLS victory in May 2025 at Chase Stadium marked the first time Orlando City SC defeated Inter Miami CF away from home in nearly two years, and notably, the first such win with Lionel Messi in the starting XI. T
he result extended Miami’s winless run against Orlando since the emphatic 5–0 victory in March 2024 and underscored a shifting competitive balance in the rivalry.
The defeat compounded a difficult stretch for Miami, who had already lost five of their previous seven matches across competitions. That run included a pair of losses to the Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, intensifying scrutiny on head coach Javier Mascherano. Criticism of Miami’s tactical approach grew louder, with questions raised about squad balance, defensive structure, and in-game adjustments.
This upcoming clash carries added intrigue, as Messi is sidelined with injury, shifting focus toward Miami’s depth, adaptability, and ability to respond under pressure. Orlando, buoyed by recent results, will look to press their advantage once again. Following the May win, Orlando supporters echoed a familiar phrase associated with club leadership: “Elegante en el triunfo”—classy in victory.
What Mascherano Said About Messi
Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano recently spoke about Messi’s condition and playing schedule:
“He’s being managed to keep him at peak condition. We’ll see him when it matters most.”
Key Players to Watch in Messi’s Absence
Without Messi, Inter Miami must rely on experience and structure.
- Luis Suárez
The veteran forward will shoulder the attacking responsibility, offering hold-up play, movement inside the box, and leadership in decisive moments. - Rodrigo De Paul
De Paul’s role becomes critical in midfield, where his ability to dictate tempo, disrupt opposition build-up, and drive transitions could define Miami’s performance.
What to Expect This Time
The Florida Derby rarely follows script. With history, recent form, and tactical adjustments all in play, this fixture once again promises intensity, edge, and consequence.
Whether it turns into a statement performance or another chapter of unresolved tension, one thing is certain: when Inter Miami and Orlando City meet, Florida football takes center stage.
