News Summary
Inter Miami concluded its 2025 preseason with a thrilling 2-2 draw against Orlando City at Raymond James Stadium. The match featured intense back-and-forth action, with goals from both sides and a last-minute equalizer from Fafà Picault securing an unbeaten preseason record for Miami. Key players like Luis Suárez and Lionel Messi showcased their talent, leaving fans excited for the upcoming MLS season. With a total of 12 goals scored and just five conceded, Miami demonstrated remarkable team strength as they prepare for their season opener against Sporting Kansas City.
Tampa Thrills as Inter Miami Wraps Up Preseason Unbeaten
Tampa, Florida came alive as Inter Miami ended their 2025 preseason journey with a dramatic 2-2 draw against Orlando City at the iconic Raymond James Stadium. With an impressive crowd of 42,017 spectators cheering them on, the match had all the ingredients of an exciting little rivalry.
Early Action and Back-and-Forth Play
Orlando City kicked things off with a bang, finding the back of the net just 15 minutes into the first half. Martín Ojeda struck first with a stunning left-footed shot that sailed into the opposite corner, putting the pressure on Miami right from the get-go. But the men in pink wouldn’t be deterred for long. Just seven minutes after going down, Miami’s new sensation Tadeo Allende connected with the legendary Luis Suárez to equalize the score. The teams headed into halftime with everything tied up at 1-1, a testament to the exciting end-to-end action that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Second Half Drama
As the second half unfolded, Orlando City avoided any thoughts of calling it a draw and managed to pull ahead again in the 54th minute. A defensive blunder from Miami’s own David Martínez led to a beautiful opportunity for Ramiro Enrique, who seized the chance to score and put Orlando back in the lead. The drama intensified as Miami fought hard to regain control of the game. As the clock ticked down and the atmosphere grew electric, Miami’s Fafà Picault unleashed a last-minute strike that found the goal in the 93rd minute, saving the day and securing a draw for his team.
Preseason Performance and Key Players
A big talking point from this match for Miami fans was the stellar performance of their big-name players. Both Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez led the attack before being substituted in the 75th minute, leaving supporters eager to see what they’ll bring to the regular season. Additionally, new signing Telasco Segovia made his preseason debut, starting the match and playing for 65 minutes before Picault took over his spot on the field.
With the preseason wrapped up, Inter Miami finished undefeated across five games, with their tally standing at 12 goals scored and only five goals conceded. Highlighted by the performances of Messi, Picault, and Allende—who each scored two goals—the team showcased their attacking prowess. Additionally, they held a solid 59% possession during the first half against Orlando, indicating their strong control of play.
Looking to the Future
As for the upcoming schedule, Inter Miami will kick off their highly-anticipated 2025 season on February 18 against Sporting Kansas City at Children’s Mercy Park. Shortly after, they’ll host NYC FC on February 22, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting Major League Soccer season.
Coach Javier Mascherano emphasized the importance of managing player minutes during these preseason matches in order to keep the team energetic and ready for the challenges ahead. Notably, while goalkeeper Drake Callender was expected to return, he didn’t travel due to recovery issues, leading Oscar Ustari to guard the goal during the match.
Fan Spirit and Support
Throughout the contest, the immense support of the fans was palpable, especially those donning the iconic No. 10 shirts in support of Messi. With the curtain now drawn on preseason, all eyes are on the road ahead as both Inter Miami and Orlando City gear up for the official season start on February 22, 2025. Stay tuned for what is sure to be a thrilling MLS season!
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Additional Resources
- Sports Illustrated
- MLS Soccer
- Miami Herald
- Goal.com
- ESPN
- Wikipedia: Soccer
- Google Search: Inter Miami 2025 season
- Google Scholar: Inter Miami Soccer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Inter Miami
- Google News: Inter Miami
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
