Lionel Messi on the sidelines for dramatic Inter Miami finale

 Inter Miami closed off their 2025 preparations on Friday night with a hard-fought game against neighbours Orlando City. The Herons had an impressive record heading into their final preseason fixture but twice went behind in Tampa Bay.

Goals from Martín Ojeda and Ramiro Enrique twice put Orlando ahead but Inter Miami showed their resilience to fight back twice. Tadeo Allende scored midway through the first half and new signing Fafà Picault snatched a draw in the third minute of injury time.

Miami romped to the Supporters' Shield title in 2024 but fell at the first hurdle in the playoffs, suffering a chastening Round One loss to unfancied Atlanta United. The Herons' lack of squad depth was cited as a reason for their drop-off and the club have moved to strengthen in the offseason.

Both of Friday’s goalscorers - Allende and Picault - arrived ahead of the 2025 campaign and they have shown their value already. Both Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez were withdrawn with 15 minutes remaining on Friday, with the team still 2-1 down. Their ability to battle back, against MLS opposition, without either of those talismanic forwards, bodes well for Miami this season.

Inter Miami begin the new campaign with the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup clash against Sporting Kansas City on Tuesday, February 18. The following weekend they host New York City FC on Saturday, February 22 in their MLS opener.