Inter Miami produced a result many fans have come to expect given their star power as the Herons cruised to a 5-0 victory at DRV PNK stadium vs. rival Orlando City. Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez both scored braces.
The expectations for Suárez are high after scoring 26 goals and adding 17 assists last season for Gremio in Brazil. He’d been receiving criticism lately for his slow mobility and lack of goals since joining Miami.
The Uruguayan legend silenced those doubters as he scored two goals and assisted two during the victory vs. Orlando. He was active from the first whistle and bagged goals in the fourth and 11th minute.
Luis Suárez vs Orlando City highlights
FIRST MLS GOAL FOR LUIS SUAREZ
What a finish! pic.twitter.com/Zj6XkA35mI— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 2, 2024
SUAREZ SCORES AGAIN!!
That's a brace in the first 11 minutes. ⚽⚽ pic.twitter.com/y5dsShfiYS— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 2, 2024
Suárez turned from scorer to provider in the 29th minute to set up Robert Taylor for Inter Miami’s third goal.
Suarez —> Taylor@InterMiamiCF flying up 3-0.
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 2, 2024
Suárez’s next assist was to his former Barcelona teammate Messi as he provided a perfect ball into the box that the Argentine headed into the bottom corner.
Suarez —> Messi
It’s 5-0 in South Florida. pic.twitter.com/qQjuWINB2W— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 2, 2024
Messi’s other goal was a wild one. Suárez was once again involved as he set up Jordi Alba in on goal but had his chipped effort cleared off the crossbar. Mayhem ensued in the Orlando penalty area but ultimately Messi controlled the ball with his chest and rolled it in for the goal.
MESSIIIII
This game is crazy. @InterMiamiCF up 4-0. pic.twitter.com/2lL8Bt6q3h— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 2, 2024
The result is a reminder to the rest of the league what Inter Miami are capable of when firing on all cylinders.
As for Orlando City Saturday’s result is already the club’s fourth game of the season. Orlando defeated Canadian outfit Cavalry FC 6-1 on aggregate in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
The upcoming fixture won’t get much easier for Orlando as their next game is on Tuesday and they host Liga MX giant Tigres in the Champions Cup Round of 16.
Inter Miami will also compete in the Champions Cup Round of 16 and travel to Geodis Park to face Nashville in the Round of 16 on Thursday.
