Inter Miami’s Return from the Americas Tour
After an exciting and successful preseason tour through South and Central America, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami are set to return to the United States as they face their fellow Florida club, Orlando City, in their final friendly before the regular season. The tour, which included matches against Club America, Universitario, Sporting San Miguelito, and C.D. Olimpia, saw Inter Miami demonstrate their strength and cohesion, culminating in a dominant 5-0 victory over C.D. Olimpia. This final friendly at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa is a homecoming of sorts, and the team is eager to put on a strong show for their American fans.
The Big Match at Raymond James Stadium
The highly anticipated match between Inter Miami and Orlando City is scheduled to take place on Sunday, February 14, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. PT). The Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, is expected to host a capacity crowd of 75,000 spectators, a testament to the star power of Messi and his teammates. Fans from across the region and beyond are flocking to see the world’s premier footballer in action, making this a special event for both the teams and the supporters.
Watching the Match: Live Stream and TV Information
While this match will not be televised in the United States, fans have the option to watch it live on Apple TV with an MLS Season Pass. The streaming service has become a go-to platform for MLS enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive coverage of all league games and friendlies. For those planning to tune in from different time zones, here’s a handy reference:
- Eastern Time: 7:30 p.m.
- Central Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Mountain Time: 5:30 p.m.
- Pacific Time: 4:30 p.m.
Inter Miami’s Preseason Performance
Inter Miami’s preseason has been a series of thrilling encounters, with the team showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. The tour began with penalty shootout victories over Club America and Universitario, followed by a convincing 3-1 win against Sporting San Miguelito. The highlight of the tour was undoubtedly the 5-0 triumph over C.D. Olimpia, where Messi and Luis Suarez were in top form, leading the charge alongside their fellow Barcelona legends Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets. These performances have set a high bar for the team as they prepare to face Orlando City.
Team News and Lineup Expectations
Ian Fray, who was injured during the friendly against Sporting San Miguelito, will miss this match against Orlando City. However, Javier Mascherano has a fully fit squad at his disposal, which is a significant boost for the team. Messi, Suarez, Alba, and Busquets are expected to start, providing a star-studded lineup that fans are eagerly anticipating. The chemistry between these experienced players and the newer additions to the squad has been a key factor in their strong preseason performances, and Mascherano will be looking to build on this as the team prepares for the regular season.
Orlando City: The Local Rivals
Orlando City, a perennial contender in the MLS, will be a tough test for Inter Miami. Known for their strong home form and enthusiastic fan base, the Lions will be eager to make a statement against their neighboring club. The match promises to be a showcase of top-tier football, with both teams bringing their A-game. Inter Miami, buoyed by their successful tour and the return to American soil, will be looking to cap off their preseason with another impressive performance. The intensity and quality of this final friendly will set the stage for the upcoming season and provide a thrilling experience for the 75,000 fans expected to fill the Raymond James Stadium.
