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Orlando City SC defeated Inter Miami CF 4-1 in their recent MLS match, a game in which Miami’s star Lionel Messi was absent due to a leg injury. Luis Muriel led the charge for Orlando by scoring goals in both halves, including his eighth goal of the season. Martín Ojeda contributed with a goal and an assist, extending his club-record streak of goal contributions to 14 and leading the league with 27 goal contributions this season. Marco Pašalić added another goal late in the match to seal a commanding three-goal win for Orlando.
Despite Yannick Bright's first career goal for Miami that briefly equalized the score, Inter Miami struggled without Messi's presence. Coach Javier Mascherano admitted the team lacked the intensity and hunger needed to compete effectively. Miami goalkeeper Óscar Ustari made eight saves, but the efforts were not enough to stem Orlando’s momentum. Orlando’s goalkeeper Pedro Gallese also made key saves, including a notable one against a Luis Suárez long-range shot.
The win helped Orlando City move into fourth place in the Eastern Conference, while Inter Miami dropped to sixth but still has matches in hand against top teams. Both teams are set for upcoming matches against major rivals—Miami against LA Galaxy and Orlando against Sporting Kansas City.
Overall, Messi’s absence was felt heavily, and the coach acknowledged the team's failure to play with necessary intensity, highlighting Orlando’s superior tactics and individual performances as the key factors in their victory.
This result emphasizes Orlando City's strong position as they continue their push in the season's standings and the challenges Miami faces without their key player.
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