Lionel Messi (10) is cheered as he is substituted during the second half of a preseason MLS soccer match against Orlando City in Tampa, Fla.
MLS Pre-Season: Lionel Messi's Inter Miami Score Late Equaliser To Hold Orlando City 2-2
Lionel Messi's Inter Miami struck a last-gasp goal to hold Orlando City to a 2-2 draw in a pre-season Major League Soccer (MLS) clash at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Saturday (February 15, 2025). The in-state rivals traded goals in the opening half-hour, with Orlando's Martin Ojeda finding the opener on a 15th-minute breakaway, only to have it cancelled out by a 21st-minute leveler by Miami winger Tadeo Allende. Orlando regained the lead in the 54th minute as Ramiro Enrique capitalized on a giveaway at the back from Inter Miami defender David Martinez. But Miami's Fafa Picault pounced for a rebound finish just seconds from the final whistle to end the match on level terms. What is worth noting is that both clubs fielded first-choice starting XIs, with Inter Miami deploying their entire "Core Four" of Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
MLS Soccer Match: Inter Miami vs Orlando City
| Photo: AP/Mike Carlson
The crowd cheers during the second half of a preseason MLS soccer match between Orlando City and Inter Miami FC in Tampa, Fla.
MLS Pre-Season: Orlando City Vs Inter Miami
| Photo: AP/Mike Carlson
Lionel Messi of Inter Miami FC makes a pass during the second half of a preseason MLS soccer match against Orlando City in Tampa, Fla.
MLS Pre-Season: Inter Miami vs Orlando City
| Photo: AP/Mike Carlson
Ramiro Enrique of Orlando City celebrates his goal as Yannick Bright (42) and Gonzalo Lujan (2) of Inter Miami FC react during the second half of a preseason MLS soccer match in Tampa, Fla.
Major League Soccer 2025 Pre-Season: Orlando City Vs Inter Miami
| Photo: AP/Mike Carlson
Goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, right center, of Orlando City, knocks the ball away from Tadeo Allende, of Inter Miami FC. during the first half of a preseason MLS soccer match in Tampa, Fla.
Major League Soccer 2025 Pre-Season: Inter Miami vs Orlando City
| Photo: AP/Mike Carlson
Tadeo Allende, right, of Inter Miami, celebrates his goal with teammate Luis Suarez during the first half of a preseason MLS soccer match against Orlando City in Tampa, Fla.
Major League Soccer: Orlando City Vs Inter Miami
| Photo: AP/Mike Carlson
Martin Ojeda, of Orlando City, celebrates his goal against Inter Miami FC during the first half of a preseason MLS soccer match in Tampa, Fla.
Major League Soccer: Inter Miami vs Orlando City
| Photo: AP/Mike Carlson
Cesar Araujo, left, of Orlando City, helps up Lionel Messi, of Inter Miami FC, during the first half of a preseason MLS soccer match in Tampa, Fla.
MLS Inter Miami Orlando Soccer
| Photo: AP/Mike Carlson
Lionel Messi, left center, of Inter Miami FC is chased by Cesar Araujo of Orlando City during the first half of a preseason MLS soccer match in Tampa, Fla.
MLS Orlando Inter Miami Soccer
| Photo: AP/Mike Carlson
Lionel Messi of Inter Miami FC acknowledges the crowd during warmups before a preseason MLS soccer match against Orlando City in Tampa, Fla.
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