FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Lionel Messi is in the starting lineup as Inter Miami returns to action against in-state rival Orlando City on Sunday night.
The match is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET in Chase Stadium, and will begin a Sunday Night Soccer doubleheader to cap MLS Rivalry Week – L.A. Galaxy will host Los Angeles FC in the second match at 9 p.m. ET.
Inter Miami has won just one match in its last six contests across all competitions, so expect Messi and his former FC Barcelona teammates to lead the way for a much-needed victory.
Inter Miami enters the match ranked fifth in the MLS Eastern Conference with 22 points behind Philadelphia Union (29 points), FC Cincinnati (29 points), Columbus Crew (27 points) and Nashville (24 points). Orlando City is ranked seventh behind New York City FC, although both clubs have 21 points.
Inter Miami has four MLS regular-season matches remaining, while Messi is expected to join Argentina for two World Cup qualifying matches in early June, before the Club World Cup begins on June 14.
Messi contract talks: When will he re-sign with Inter Miami?
Lionel Messi is under contract this season, but Inter Miami wants to extend the World Cup champion.
Before Sunday’s match, Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said of a possible extension for Messi: “Hopefully in a few weeks, we can have some news about Leo because I think it will be very, very good for the club, for the fans, and for MLS.”
Is Messi playing vs. Orlando City? Inter Miami lineup today
Yes, Messi was announced as a starter by Inter Miami before the match. Here are the starting lineups for both clubs:
How to watch Inter Miami vs. Orlando City match on TV, live stream?
The match is available on the Apple TV+ channel, and MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.
What time is Inter Miami vs. Orlando City match?
The match begins at 7 p.m. ET (8 p.m. in Argentina).
Is Luis Suarez playing tonight vs. Orlando City?
Suarez is also listed in the starting lineup, and returns after missing the last two Inter Miami matches due to personal reasons.
Inter Miami vs. Orlando City prediction
Inter Miami 2, Orlando City 1: Messi scores a goal and has an assist in a 2-1 victory for Inter Miami against Orlando City. — Safid Deen, Lionel Messi reporter.
Inter Miami vs. Orlando City betting odds
Inter Miami enters the match as the favorite (-130), while a draw (+290) has slightly lower odds than a win by Orlando City (+300), according to BETMGM.
Messi to join Argentina before Club World Cup
Messi has been called up by the defending World Cup champions for qualifying matches for the 2026 tournament. Argentina will visit Chile on June 5, and host Colombia on June 10.
Messi, Inter Miami upcoming schedule
May 24: Philadelphia Union vs. Inter Miami, 7:30 p.m. ET
May 28: Inter Miami vs. CF Montreal, 7:30 p.m. ET
May 31: Inter Miami vs. Columbus Crew, 7:30 p.m. ET
Messi, Inter Miami schedule for Club World Cup
June 14: Inter Miami vs. Al Alhy, 8 p.m. ET (Hard Rock Stadium in Miami)
June 19: Inter Miami vs FC Porto, 3 p.m. ET (Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta)
June 23: Inter Miami vs. Palmerias, 9 p.m. ET (Hard Rock Stadium in Miami)