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News, Blog and GuidesThere’s a Florida derby in this week’s Leagues Cup fixtures and Orlando boss Oscar Pareja believes his side are ready to face Lionel Messi and co.
William GittinsWillGittUpdate: Jul 31st, 2023 06:10 EDT
Nathan Ray SeebeckUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
Lionel Messi has made quite an impact on Inter Miami’s fortunes since making his debut two weeks ago.
The Argentinian World Cup winner joined a team without a win in their previous 11 MLS games, and inspired them to back-to-back victories in the Leagues Cup.
After an injury time winner against Cruz Azul and a slick brace in the 4-0 victory over Atlanta United, a Florida derby is next in line for Messi and Miami. Orlando City secured a comfortable 3-1 win over Miami back in May, but Tata Martino’s side are now a very different proposition.
“We will be ready,” Orlando head coach Oscar Pareja replied, when asked for his thoughts ahead of the clash with Inter Miami.
“It was in our mind in our preparation; no other words in the last week other than Santos. We know that you can [overlook] things and then start thinking ahead, what if? But that was not in our equation, nothing but just beating Santos.”
MOVING ON 😤 Up Next: Inter Miami pic.twitter.com/ARjhSuMTt6
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) July 30, 2023
Orlando needed a 92nd-minute strike from Wilder Cartagena to defeat Santos Laguna and secure top spot in Leagues Cup Group I. That victory set up a Round of 32 meeting with Florida’s other MLS franchise, a Messi-inspired Inter Miami.
“After the [Santos] victory we have to face a team who has been playing well and obviously just to make sure – the Messi thing, right, it is the wave that is bringing a lot of attention and we’re very proud,” Pareja said.
“But we know what we are. We know who we are. And we’re going to go get the victory because we our heart is prepared to do it.”
🎨 La Rivalidad Se Intensifica!Apparently, Orlando City fans recently threw purple paint over Vice City’s new mural welcoming Leo Messi, but the Inter Miami supporters group quickly worked to remove and repaint it.Even the sidewalk got a touch-up!#InterMiamiCF #Messi𓃵 pic.twitter.com/7HIqyKWFb4
— Franco Panizo (@FrancoPanizo) July 27, 2023
