Messi and Suarez dominate Inter Miami vs Orlando City. The anticipation had been building since the reunion of Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi, as fans eagerly awaited the moment when they would recapture their past brilliance. Having formed a formidable partnership during their time at Barcelona, it was only a matter of time before they showcased their exceptional skills in the vibrant Inter Miami pink jerseys.
And that moment arrived sooner than expected, just three matches into the MLS season. While they had a relatively quiet preseason and displayed glimpses of their brilliance in the first two games, Saturday’s match was a true spectacle; it was an explosion of their talent.
Suarez netted two goals and provided two assists in Inter Miami’s resounding 5-0 triumph over Orlando City, while Messi also found the back of the net twice. It was an absolute masterclass from the former Barcelona duo, sending a resounding message to the rest of the MLS: they have arrived.
Despite their stellar performances, there were other notable contributors to the victory. Jordi Alba played a crucial role in setting up a goal, and Robert Taylor displayed his excellent form from late 2023 by scoring once again. Additionally, new signing Nicolas Freire displayed composure and solidity in his debut for Inter Miami’s defense.
However, the spotlight undeniably belonged to Messi and Suarez. In their current form, they appear virtually unstoppable, serving as a reminder to the entire MLS of their exceptional abilities. Inter Miami is now poised to become a formidable force in the league.
Goalkeeper and Defense:
- Drake Callender (6/10): Had a relatively quiet game, with minimal opportunities to showcase his skills. Some minor room for improvement in terms of ball distribution.
- Jordi Alba (7/10): Made a significant breakthrough, setting up the fourth goal. Unfortunate not to score due to an impressive clearance off the crossbar by Robin Janssen.
- Tomas Aviles (7/10): Solid and dependable, forming a strong partnership with his fellow center-back.
- Nicolas Freire (6/10): Immediately made an impact, offering additional pace compared to Serhiy Kryvstov. Looked completely at ease in his first start.
- DeAndre Yedlin (7/10): Limited involvement in the attacking phase but provided defensive stability on the right-hand side
Midfield:
- Diego Gomez (6/10): Among the less influential players in the midfield trio, but still exhibited a solid performance, particularly in the first two games.
- Sergio Busquets (6/10): Despite not being at his best, Miami’s midfield dominated Orlando throughout the match, highlighting the team’s formidable potential.
- Julian Gressel (9/10): This match showcased the true essence of Gressel, with a standout performance that Inter Miami envisioned when signing him. His two assists were the highlight of his exceptional contribution, demonstrating his ability to change the course of a game.
Attack:
- Robert Taylor (7/10): Found the back of the net in the 29th minute, although his performance was somewhat overshadowed by his superstar strike partners. Nonetheless, he displayed a commendable overall performance.
- Luis Suarez (10/10): A perfect rating is warranted for Suarez’s outstanding display. He completely dominated the game, scoring two goals and assisting two more. He could have easily added more goals, dispelling any doubts about his fitness.
- Lionel Messi (9/10): While the first half belonged to Suarez, Messi took charge in the second half. His first goal was fortuitous, while his second showcased an uncharacteristically excellent header, capping off a remarkable day for the Argentine superstar.
