Football/Soccer - Leo Messi
Photo By Tim Bernhard/Unsplash

The Inter Miami–Orlando City rivalry produced another decisive outcome on Sunday night, as the Lions stormed to a 4-1 win at Exploria Stadium. Without Lionel Messi, the Herons were unable to halt a three-year league winless streak in the Florida Derby, conceding heavily for the second time this season against their in-state rivals.

The victory means Orlando have scored seven goals to Miami's one across the two 2025 league meetings. Luis Muriel was again the headline act. He matched his May hat-trick with another three-goal performance to sink the visitors.

Messi sidelined for derby defeat

Miami's challenge was complicated before kick-off when Messi was ruled out due to a muscle injury in his right leg, sustained against Necaxa earlier this month. Despite training separately on Saturday, the 38-year-old was not risked by head coach Javier Mascherano.

'Leo will not be available tomorrow. He's fine, but obviously it would be crazy to risk taking him to Orlando with everything we have ahead of us', Mascherano said before the match.

With Messi absent, Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul led Miami's attack, but Orlando's organisation and high pressing kept them from building sustained pressure.

WATCH: Miami's singular goal.

Muriel leads the way again

Orlando's dominance in recent derbies continued as Muriel struck three times, taking his tally to six goals in this season's league encounters with Miami. His sharp movement and finishing proved too much for the Herons' back line, with Martín Ojeda again instrumental in supplying chances.

The Lions also benefitted from Pedro Gallese's key saves in goal, denying Miami a foothold before a late fourth goal put the result beyond doubt. Orlando have now gone unbeaten in league matches against Miami since August 2023.

Conference race reshaped

The Eastern Conference standings saw Orlando climb to fifth place, overtaking Miami, who still have three matches in hand. Despite that advantage, the gap in derby results has widened, with Mascherano still seeking his first win over Orlando as coach.

For Oscar Pareja, the triumph marked his second derby win of the year, and the first on home turf, coinciding with his birthday. Orlando have now scored in 15 consecutive matches, showcasing their attacking consistency.

WATCH: Another goal attempt from Miami.

What's next for both sides

While the Inter Miami–Orlando City derby is concluded for now, a third meeting could occur in the Leagues Cup semi-finals if both progress. Miami turn their attention to the LA Galaxy on Saturday, 16 August, potentially with Messi back in action, while Orlando look to build on this momentum in their next MLS outing.

For the Lions, the unbeaten streak rolls on. For the Herons, the wait for a derby breakthrough goes on, with another year, another missed opportunity.

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