Inter Miami CF was guided to a 3-1 win over Orlando City SC by two goals from Lionel Messi and one from Josef Martínez, clinching a berth in the Leagues Cup Round of 16.
“I think we’re doing well, above all else winning, which is a good place to start. We’re getting better at circulating the ball with each passing game, and more clinical at the top end of the pitch,” said head coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino. “If we solidify the defensive end a bit – I see growth in this aspect – and we can guarantee clean sheets, we’ll have great chances for the players from midfield forward to score goals every match.”
Drake Callender started in goal; DeAndre Yedlin, Sergii Kryvtsov, Kamal Miller and Noah Allen formed the back four; Dixon Arroyo, Sergio Busquets and Benjamin Cremaschi started in midfield; Messi and Robert Taylor lined up on the wings flanking striker Martínez.
Inter Miami’s starting XI remained unchanged from the team’s 4-0 victory over Atlanta United in the final Leagues Cup group stage match. Two of the Club’s latest additions, however, appeared on the bench for the first time in the match; legendary Spanish left back Jordi Alba and young Paraguayan midfielder Diego Gómez made the matchday squad for the Round of 32 fixture.