Inter Miami and Orlando City Clash in Preseason Match on Valentine’s Day

TAMPA, Fla. — Inter Miami takes on Orlando City in a highly anticipated preseason match on Friday, February 14, at 7:30 p.m. ET at Raymond James Stadium. With a shared home state, the rivalry is intensified by the significant number of South American players on both rosters, promising a vibrant Latino atmosphere.

In total, the two teams feature 28 players from South America, the highest in Major League Soccer (MLS). Both teams have 14 such players, far exceeding the other 30 clubs in the league.

Inter Miami’s roster is headlined by Argentine talent, with 10 of its 14 South American players hailing from Argentina. Among them are Benjamin Cremaschi and Santiago Morales, who represent the United States, alongside Paraguayan national Héctor David Martínez.

“Valentine’s Day plans? Sorted. Rivalry night in Tampa,” tweeted Inter Miami CF, urging fans not to miss the match.

Orlando City’s representation is more diverse but prominently features Colombian players. The team’s head coach, Óscar Pareja, has brought four Colombian athletes on board, including newcomer Eduard Atuesta and Nicolás Rodríguez.

“Profe Pareja has done a great job since arriving, and every year this team improves,” said Colombian forward Luis Muriel. “Eduard knows this league very well, so adapting here has been easy for him, especially in a team with so many Latinos.”

Despite the franchise’s relatively short history within the MLS, both clubs are quickly cultivating a fierce rivalry. “It’s like any derby; the tension rises, and you don’t prepare for it the same way as other opponents. From the moment I arrived, I’ve taken it as seriously as the biggest derbies I’ve played in,” Muriel added.

The clash serves as a prelude to the 2025 MLS season, which officially kicks off the following week. Both teams are eager to validate their preseason training by achieving a strong performance.

The match will feature Lionel Messi, who is expected to start for Inter Miami as they conclude their preparations before entering the CONCACAF Champions Cup against Sporting Kansas City. Meanwhile, Orlando City will gear up to face the Philadelphia Union in their season opener.

Messi’s talent will draw considerable attention during the match, with the anticipation building for his first appearance at Raymond James Stadium, home to the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

As the teams finalize their lineups, both are determined to leave their mark before the competitive season begins. The stakes are high, and the players are ready to make an impression on this intense Florida derby.