Orlando City vs. Inter Miami: Preseason Thriller Ends in 2-2 Draw

By Kyle Foley, Orlando Sentinel Correspondent

Orlando City SC and Inter Miami CF battled to a thrilling 2-2 draw in their final preseason match at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on Friday, February 14, 2025. The match, a showcase of attacking talent and defensive lapses, left both teams with plenty to consider as they head into the regular season.

A Back-and-Forth Affair

The game saw a flurry of goals and exciting moments. Orlando City took an early lead in the 15th minute, thanks to a skillful chip shot from Martín Ojeda, assisted by Iván Angulo. Ojeda's clinical finish capped off a swift counter-attack, showcasing the Lions' offensive potential. However, Inter Miami quickly responded, equalizing in the 22nd minute through Tadeo Allende, who benefited from a clever give-and-go with Luis Suárez.

Orlando retook the lead in the 54th minute after a defensive error by Inter Miami's David Martinez. Ojeda, once again instrumental, capitalized on the mistake, setting up Ramiro Enrique for a simple finish. Ojeda's two goal contributions highlighted a strong pre-season performance.

But Inter Miami weren't done. In the dying moments of the match, Fafa Picault scored a dramatic equalizer in the 93rd minute, capitalizing on a rebound after a cross from Robert Taylor. The late goal ensured a dramatic end to the preseason encounter, leaving the final score at 2-2.

Messi's Presence

The presence of Lionel Messi, playing alongside the Inter Miami "Core Four" (Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba), added significant intrigue to the match. While Messi didn't score, his influence on the game was evident, creating chances and testing Orlando City's defense. He even missed a penalty kick, a rare miss for the superstar.

Coach Pareja's Perspective

Orlando City coach Oscar Pareja, while acknowledging the draw as the result, expressed satisfaction with his team's performance. He highlighted the team's ability to compete against a strong Inter Miami side, suggesting that they could have even secured a win had they converted more chances.

What's Next for Orlando City?

Orlando City will open their 2025 regular season campaign on Saturday, February 22nd, hosting the Philadelphia Union at Inter&Co Stadium. This match marks the club's 2025 Home Opener, presented by Orlando Health, and will air on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.