BY: TJ Waller
The Orlando City Lions will finally get to pit their skills against Inter Miami’s forward Lionel Messi in a few weeks on September 24. The Lions have historically dominated their series against Miami, boasting a record of 6 wins, 3 losses, and 2 draws in 11 meetings. However, it’s worth noting that none of those victories were achieved when facing Messi.
“We will be ready.” Lions coach Oscar Pareja remarked when discussing the prospect of going up against Messi. “We know who we are, we going to go get that victory because our heart is prepared to do it.”
Messi is widely acclaimed as soccer’s preeminent superstar and one of the all-time greats; ranking #1 in many “Best Soccer Players” lineups. Inter Miami formally added Messi to the roster in mid-July and the upcoming Florida match against Orlando City SC will only be Messi’s third appearance for Miami.
The Lions have one more home game against Columbus on September 16 before they meet Messi. If Orlando were to defeat Miami, they would have the opportunity to host Mazatlán since no Leagues Cup matches are scheduled in Mexico this year. However, Orlando would be on the road against Dallas because they finished lower in the 2022 Supporters’ Shield standings.
