Inter Miami played to a 0-0 draw against Orlando City on Wednesday night at Inter & Co Stadium, missing Lionel Messi due to a left knee injury sustained during their 3-2 win over Montreal on Saturday. Miami manager Gerardo Martino emphasized Messi’s irreplaceable impact, particularly in the final third of the field.
Robert Taylor replaced Messi in the starting XI, with Luis Suarez and Matias Rojas leading the attack, but Miami struggled offensively, managing only three shots on goal. Jordi Alba returned as a substitute after a five-week absence, adding some experience to the side.
Despite the draw, Martino reassured that Messi’s injury wasn’t severe and expected his return soon, potentially for Saturday’s game against D.C. United. Messi trained regularly, though precautionary measures kept him out of the match against Orlando.
The result keeps Miami atop the Eastern Conference with 28 points from 14 games, while Orlando sits in 10th place. Miami’s record significantly fluctuates with Messi’s presence: 2-4-7 (W-D-L) without him and 15-7-3 when he plays. Messi has made a remarkable impact, scoring 12 goals and providing 13 assists this season.
