Messi to Build Orlando Debut as Inter Miami Faces Orlando City

Lionel Messi is set to make his first appearance in Orlando as Inter Miami CF travels to face Orlando City SC on Sunday, March 1st, 2026, at Exploria Stadium. The match, kicking off at 7:00 PM ET (4:00 PM PT / 12:00 AM Monday GMT), will be broadcast live on Apple TV, with subscriptions available for $12.99 per month, including a seven-day free trial.

Team News and Expected Lineups

Orlando City will observe potential full debuts for defender Zakaria Taifi, midfielder Colin Guske, and forward Tiago. Nolan Miller, 21, could also make his first professional start in defense. Orlando City will be without central defender Robin Jansson (foot), and midfielders Joran Gerbet (knee) and Luis Otavio (thigh) due to injuries.

For Inter Miami, goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair, right back Facundo Mura, center back Micael, and forward German Bertarame are expected to make their away debuts. Midfielder David Ayala’s absence from a recent match in Puerto Rico was reportedly due to a personal matter, after being an unused substitute in Los Angeles.

Predicted Starting XIs

• Orlando City: Maxime Crepeau, Griffin Dorsey, David Brekalo, Iago Teodoro, Adrian Marin, Marco Pasalic, Braian Ojeda, Wilder Cartagena, Tyrese Spicer, Martin Ojeda, Duncan McGuire
• Inter Miami: Dayne St Clair, Ian Fray, Maximiliano Falcon, Micael, Noah Allen, Rodrigo De Paul, Yannick Bright, Mateo Silvetti, Lionel Messi, Telasco Segovia, German Berterame

Recent Form and Historical Results

Orlando City stumbled in their season opener, falling 2-1 to Red Bull New York despite a strong second-half performance. New goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau recorded 11 saves, tying a club record. Tiago scored his first goal for the club in stoppage time.

Inter Miami’s recent match against LAFC saw them with over 63% ball possession despite the loss.

Historically, Orlando City holds a positive record against Inter Miami, winning 3-0 away and 4-1 at home in the 2025 MLS season. Still, Miami secured a 3-1 victory in the League Cup semi-final, with Messi scoring twice and Telasco Segovia adding a goal after a red card to David Brekalo.

Marco Pasalic has scored in each of his three appearances against Miami. Martin Ojeda has two goals and two assists in six MLS games against Miami, including four starts.

Inter Miami has lost three and drawn five of eight visits to Orlando in MLS, with an overall record of six wins, seven losses, and five draws, holding a positive goal difference of two.

Where to Watch

The match will be available live on Apple TV.