Inter Miami rounded off their 2025 preseason with a thrilling 2-2 draw against Orlando City at Raymond James Stadium, mesmerizing a crowd of 42,017 fans in Tampa, Florida. This final match represented the climax of a competitive preseason campaign for the Herons, who had previously won their first four exhibition matches. With this draw marking their last performance prior to the upcoming season, it demonstrated both the team’s promising form and the room for improvement as they prepare for competitive play.
The encounter kick-started energetically with Orlando City taking the lead early in the first half. Martín Ojeda made an impressive left-footed shot that sent the ball into the far corner, sending a jolt through the stadium. However, Inter Miami wasted no time responding. New acquisition Tadeo Allende linked up beautifully with seasoned striker Luis Suárez, leveling the score just seven minutes after Orlando’s opening goal. This exchange underscored the attacking potential within Miami’s roster as they concluded the first half with a total of eight shots on goal. Despite the Herons’ offensive pressure, both teams went into the break with a 1-1 deadlock, setting the stage for a contentious second half.
The second half brought a shift in momentum back to Orlando City. Following a defensive mix-up from Miami’s David Martínez, Ojeda seized the opportunity to steal the ball and set up Ramiro Enrique, who skillfully netted the team’s second goal. The scoreboard raised the stakes for Miami, and fans felt the tension grow as the game approached its conclusion. Yet, just as the clock was about to expire, Fafà Picault emerged as the savior for the Herons, scoring an equalizer that not only avoided defeat but also highlighted Miami’s resilience. The match ended with both teams sharing the spoils, a result that mixed feelings of slight disappointment with relief for Miami’s supporters.
Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez were pivotal in Miami’s offensive strategy throughout the match, showcasing their skills before being substituted in the 75th minute. Their presence emphasizes the depth of experience within the squad, which head coach Javier Mascherano is keen to utilize. Early feedback indicates that Mascherano aims to have all of his players engaged as they prepare for the rigorous demands of the season ahead. Additionally, new signing Telasco Segovia made his debut and played for an influential 65 minutes, showcasing the fresh talent that the team aims to develop amid its seasoned stars.
As Inter Miami gears up for a challenging 2025 campaign, they kick off their official season against Sporting Kansas City on February 18 at Children’s Mercy Park, then rapidly face New York City FC on February 22 for their Major League Soccer opener. The exciting prospects of this season lie not only in the star-studded roster but also in the strategic adaptations and lessons learned during the preseason. With a blend of veterans and fresh talent, Miami aims to make a significant impact as they enter competitive play, and fans have much to look forward to in the coming weeks.