{"id":174165,"date":"2026-03-01T19:44:12","date_gmt":"2026-03-01T19:44:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/174165\/"},"modified":"2026-03-01T19:44:12","modified_gmt":"2026-03-01T19:44:12","slug":"is-lionel-messi-playing-today-for-inter-miami-vs-orlando-city-in-florida-derby-on-matchday-2-of-2026-mls-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/174165\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Lionel Messi playing today for Inter Miami vs Orlando City in Florida Derby on Matchday 2 of 2026 MLS season?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The defending MLS champions, Inter Miami, visit Orlando City today for their first Florida fixture of the season. Anticipation is high as fans eagerly await Lionel Messi<\/a>\u2018s appearance in the Florida Derby on Matchday 2 of the 2026 MLS season.<\/p>\n

Fortunately, Messi enters Matchday 2 fit and ready. With no injuries or issues hindering his participation, Messi is expected to lead the charge for Inter Miami after their defeat to LAFC, where they fell 3-0<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Although the season is just underway, Messi and his teammates are determined to secure their first victory of the campaign against Orlando City<\/a>. Notably, Orlando lost a key player in the offseason, with Colombian striker Luis Muriel leaving for Junior de Barranquilla.<\/p>\n

Orlando City, seeking their first MLS<\/a> win of the season, also look to capitalize on the home advantage. After a 2-1 defeat to the New York Red Bulls in their opener, Orlando is eager to deliver a strong performance against Messi and Inter Miami in front of its home crowd.<\/p>\n

\"Lionel<\/p>\n

Lionel Messi of Inter Miami<\/p>\n

Messi\u2019s first outing in Orlando since joining MLS<\/p>\n

In his third year in MLS, Messi is poised to grace the Orlando field for the first time with Inter Miami<\/a>. However, Luis Suarez won\u2019t be available for Inter Miami today. According to Jose Armando Rodriguez of Deporte Total, the Uruguayan striker felt pain in Friday\u2019s practice and therefore stayed in Miami.<\/p>\n

\"Inter<\/p>\n

see also<\/p>\n

Inter Miami co-owner reveals if Lionel Messi will have new signings after tough MLS season opener loss<\/p>\n

<\/a>Inter Miami\u2019s projected lineup<\/p>\n

With Messi leading the charge, Inter Miami are anticipated to field their full-strength squad in today\u2019s clash against Orlando City<\/a>. This could mean a lineup similar to the one fielded against LAFC last week, with key players like Telasco Segovia and Mateo Silvetti expected to play pivotal roles in today\u2019s match in Orlando.<\/p>\n

Here is Inter Miami\u2019s predicted lineup:<\/p>\n

Goalkeeper: Dayne St. ClairDefenders: Noah Allen (LB), Maximiliano Falcon (CB), Ian Fray (CB), Micael (RB)Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul, Yannick Bright, Telasco SegoviaAttackers: Lionel Messi (RW), German Berterame (ST), Mateo Silvetti (LW)<\/p>\n

SurveyWhich team will win today?<\/p>\n

Which team will win today?<\/p>\n

\"Santiago<\/a><\/p>\n