2025 Leagues One Cup Match Preview: Inter Miami FC vs. Orlando City SC

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Inter Miami CF come into this one off a hard-fought 2-1 quarterfinal triumph over Tigres UANL, with Luis Suárez converting two penalties in Messi’s continued absence. Rodrigo De Paul and Telasco Segovia have shouldered creative duties, and head coach Javier Mascherano has conserved his best XI in league play to prioritize this semifinal clash.

Orlando City SC punched their ticket via a 0-0 draw against Toluca and a nerve-shredding shootout win. Goalkeeper Pedro Gallese made two saves and netted the clinching spot-kick, while Martín Ojeda (3 g/3 a) and Luis Muriel have driven their attack alongside Designated Player Marco Pašalić. Right back Alex Freeman’s marauding runs have been vital down the flank.

Head-to-Head

The sides last met on August 10 at Inter&Co Stadium, where Orlando ran riot in a 4-1 win—Muriel bagged a brace, Ojeda and Pašalić added goals, and Miami’s winless streak at home extended to eight games in all competitions.

Key Players to Watch

Inter Miami CF

Lionel Messi: If declared fit, his return to the lineup instantly shifts the probabilities—nobody in MLS influences the final third like the No. 10.

Luis Suárez: Clinical from the spot in the quarterfinal; his movement off the backline remains elite in tight spaces.

Rodrigo De Paul: Engine room playmaker whose surging runs and defensive work have bridged the gap in Messi’s absence.

Telasco Segovia: Offers pace in transition and the ability to stretch backlines, crucial for opening lanes.

Orlando City SC

Martín Ojeda: On a personal run of six goal involvements in Leagues Cup play; excels between the lines and in link-up play.

Luis Muriel: Three goals in two meetings with Miami this season; his blend of creativity and finishing makes him a constant threat.

Pedro Gallese: Knockout specialist—key saves and composure from 12 yards earned the Lions their semifinal berth.

Alex Freeman: One of MLS’s top attacking fullbacks; his overlaps exploit Jordi Alba’s forward positioning and create overloads on the right flank.

Tactical Battle

Miami will strive to control possession through Busquets and De Paul, probing for openings either via Messi’s flair or Suárez’s clever drops. Orlando under Oscar Pareja will press aggressively in midfield and hit on the counter, using Freeman’s engine on the right and Muriel’s direct runs behind a potentially high–line defense.

Implied win probability: Inter Miami ~52.4%, Orlando ~27.8%.

Both sides have featured in high-scoring affairs: 8 of Orlando’s last 10 and 8 of Miami’s previous 10 games finished with over 2.5 goals.

Additional Notes

The winner advances to the Leagues Cup final on August 31 and secures one of the top three spots that qualify for the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. A third-place playoff on the same day will decide the final Champions Cup berth.