Orlando City hosts Inter Miami this Sunday, March 1, at the Inter&Co Stadium at 7:00 p.m. ET, in Matchday 2 of the MLS.

Lionel Messi is available and fit to start in this new edition of the Florida derby. The Argentine and his teammates aim to react quickly after falling 0-3 to LAFC in the season opener on Feb. 21.

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Javier Mascherano’s team was largely outplayed in its season start. Although the Los Angeles club did not dominate possession, it recorded five shots on goal, while the Herons recorded only two shots on target.

Son Heung-min did not appear on the scoresheet last week. The goal scorers for Los Angeles FC were David Martinez (38′), Denis Bouanga (73′), and Nathan Ordaz (90+4′).

Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF controls the ball during the MLS match between Los Angeles Football Club and Inter Miami CF at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on February 21, 2026, in Los Angeles, California.Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images

Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF controls the ball during the MLS match between Los Angeles Football Club and Inter Miami CF at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on February 21, 2026, in Los Angeles, California.Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images

(Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images)Lionel Messi Set To Start for Inter Miami vs. Orlando City

Messi, 38, was unable to make a difference, and his team suffered a premature disappointment in this new soccer year.

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After falling to LAFC, Inter Miami traveled to Puerto Rico to play a friendly match against Independiente del Valle. In this match, Messi did score from the penalty spot.

The Argentine icon had some physical complications during the preseason, but after postponing the last preparation match against Independiente del Valle, Messi had the opportunity to recover to start in the season opener.

Now, the Barcelona legend is ready to start against Orlando City to try to give his fans the first joy of the year.

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the Soccer section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.