Inter Miami struggle against Orlando City without Lionel Messi

Inter Miami secured a 0-0 draw against Orlando City on Wednesday night despite missing star player Lionel Messi due to a leg injury. Messi, injured in the team’s victory over CF Montreal last Saturday, did not travel with the team.

Even without their key player, Inter Miami (8-2-4, 28 points) extended their unbeaten streak in MLS to eight games. The draw also ended their five-match winning streak but kept their momentum in the league. This was only the second time this season that Inter Miami failed to score in a match.

Both teams had opportunities, but strong defensive play kept the game scoreless. Miami’s goalkeeper, Drake Callender, made three crucial saves to help secure the draw. His efforts were vital, especially with Orlando City having more shots and corner kicks throughout the match. Orlando (3-5-4, 13 points) had 14 shot attempts compared to Miami’s six and an 8-4 advantage in corner kicks.

Early in the match, Miami’s Luis Suarez and Robert Taylor had chances to score but couldn’t convert. Orlando came close to scoring from two corner kicks, but Callender’s quick reflexes kept them at bay. In the 32nd minute, he deflected a close-range shot from Martin Ojeda and made a leaping save on Luis Muriel’s attempt a minute later.

Orlando continued to press in the second half, but Callender was up to the challenge, stopping David Brekalo’s header in the 52nd minute. Orlando’s goalkeeper, Gallese, also had a busy night, saving three shots and ensuring the game stayed level.

The match saw its fair share of physicality. Pedro Gallese collided with Luis Suarez, leading to a brief injury scare, but Gallese continued after receiving treatment. Orlando’s Cesar Araujo was booked for a foul on Julian Gressel in the 72nd minute, earning his fifth yellow card of the season and a suspension for the next match.

The closest either team came to breaking the deadlock was in the 76th minute. After a quick pass from Lodeiro and McGuire, Orlando’s Facundo Torres tried to set up Luis Muriel for a shot. However, Miami’s defense quickly closed the attack, preventing Muriel from taking an open shot.

Despite the draw, Inter Miami showed resilience and depth, earning a point without their talisman, Messi. The team will look to build on this performance as they continue their push in the MLS standings.

Inter Miami’s next match will test their ability to maintain their unbeaten run and keep climbing the league table, even as Messi recovers from his injury. The team’s defensive solidity and tactical discipline will be key in the games ahead.

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