How Inter Miami holds Orlando City to draw without Lionel Messi, their key player
How Inter Miami Secured a Draw Against Orlando City Despite Missing Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi was notably absent as Inter Miami held Orlando City to a thrilling draw in a game that had fans and analysts wondering, “Can Inter Miami make the playoffs?”
Despite missing key players such as Messi and Jordi Alba due to injuries, Inter Miami showcased their determination and skill, putting up a commendable fight against the formidable Orlando City, who currently occupy the second spot in the Eastern Conference table.
Even with their star power sidelined, Inter Miami remained a formidable force, emphasizing the depth of their roster.
Sergio Busquets, a former Barcelona midfielder, was rested for this match in preparation for the upcoming U.S. Open Cup final against the Houston Dynamo.
Notably, Lionel Messi had been sidelined due to muscle fatigue, a concern that had also kept him out of the September 16th match against Atlanta United.
The absence of these key players raised questions about Inter Miami’s ability to compete at the highest level.
In a game where Orlando City dominated the first half, Miami turned the tide early in the second half.
The breakthrough came when Dixon Arroyo intercepted the ball in midfield and delivered a precise through ball to Leonardo Campana, setting the stage for an electrifying attack.
It wasn’t until the 52nd minute that David Ruíz, seizing an opportunity, scored unassisted, handing Inter Miami a 1-0 lead.
However, Orlando City refused to concede defeat, and in the 66th minute, Duncan McGuire scored a brilliant equalizer, ensuring a 1-1 draw.
This result extended Orlando City’s impressive unbeaten streak to ten matches.
Duncan McGuire’s goal marked his ninth of the season, showcasing his prowess in front of the net.
It not only secured a crucial point for Orlando City but also continued their unbeaten record against Miami at home.
This was a significant achievement for Orlando, particularly after securing their spot in the 2023 MLS Cup playoffs despite a recent loss to New York City FC.
The absence of Messi, Alba, and Busquets due to various health concerns was undoubtedly a challenge for Inter Miami.
Orlando outshot Miami 13-9 and had a 6-5 edge in shots on target, indicating a competitive contest despite the key absences.
With this draw, Inter Miami remained in 14th place in the Eastern Conference but closed the gap to just five points behind New York City FC, who currently occupy the ninth and final playoff berth with two games in hand.
This outcome keeps Inter Miami’s playoff hopes alive as they hope for the return of Messi and Alba to bolster their lineup in the crucial stretch ahead.
In summary, Inter Miami’s ability to secure a draw against Orlando City without Lionel Messi and other key players demonstrates their resilience and potential as they chase their playoff dreams.
The team’s depth and determination were on full display in this challenging matchup, leaving fans eager to see how they’ll perform with a fully fit squad in the future.
