Florida rivals Orlando finished second in the Eastern Conference last season and have been considered contenders for this season’s MLS Cup but they were outclassed by Miami from the outset. “I’m very happy for him, that he was able to score. Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez scored two goals each as Inter Miami turned on the style hammering Orlando City 5-0 in Major League Soccer. Suarez had lacked sharpness and match fitness in his first two outings but the prolific 37-year-old top scorer for Gremio in Brazil last season put aside any doubts about his continuing ability in the final third.
We were calm anyway, we know what Luis is and what he is capable of doing and everyone knows it,” Messi said.
“He is like that, when you least expect it he solves a game for you like he did today, with the goals and the assists.”
“Today was an important match to win, to continue on this path of growth and this has to make us very strong for everything that’s to come. Suarez took just four minutes to get Miami on the scoreboard and his first goal for his new club came in emphatic style, meeting a low cross from Julian Gressel with a thumping first-time shot inside the near post. Orlando came out aggressively after the break, seeking a possible way back into the game and they were frustrated when Martin Ojeda’s effort was ruled out for offside. Orlando captain Robin Jansson’s desperate clearance flew out off the bar and Messi was on hand to put the ball home.
MLS 2023 runner-up Los Angeles FC fell 3-0 in snowy conditions at Real Salt Lake, with Andres Gomez delivering a brace for the home side.
“We’re doing well, we’re enjoying it, we’re growing,” Messi said.
