First Half of Orlando City vs. Inter Miami: Messi’s Absence Felt on the Pitch

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - AUGUST 02: Lionel Messi of Inter Miami CF in action during the Leagues Cup 2023 match against Orlando City SC (1) and Inter Miami CF (3) at the DRV PNK Stadium on August 2nd, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Simon Bruty/Anychance/Getty Images)
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - AUGUST 02: Lionel Messi of Inter Miami CF in action during the Leagues Cup 2023 match against Orlando City SC (1) and Inter Miami CF (3) at the DRV PNK Stadium on August 2nd, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Simon Bruty/Anychance/Getty Images) /
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The soccer match between Orlando City and Inter Miami, held at the Orlando City Stadium on September 24, delivered a lively first half with many shot attempts and some fouls, but one notable absence was keenly felt: Lionel Messi.

The game started with high expectations, as Argentine superstar Messi was sidelined due to an injury. His absence was clearly felt by fans, as his presence on the soccer field brings not only incredible technical skills but also a keen vision and the ability to create game-changing opportunities. Without Messi, Inter Miami lost a key piece of their arsenal, and this became evident in the first half.

The lack of creativity and the ability to break through the opposing defense were noticeable during the first 45 minutes. While there were several shot attempts from both teams, the absence of a world-class player like Messi, capable of destabilizing defenses and providing precise assists, was clearly detrimental to Inter Miami.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 20: Josef Martinez #17 of Inter Miami looks on prior to the match between Toronto FC and Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on September 20, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 20: Josef Martinez #17 of Inter Miami looks on prior to the match between Toronto FC and Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on September 20, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

Forward Josef Martínez, for instance, took a shot but missed the target, and other shot attempts also lacked the required accuracy to open the scoring. Orlando City’s solid defense managed to handle the threats without much trouble, and the tied score reflects the lack of efficiency in front of Inter Miami’s goal.

In addition to Messi’s absence, fouls committed by both teams brought frequent interruptions to the soccer match, disrupting its rhythm and flow. Yellow cards were handed out, indicating the intensity of the match, but also highlighting the need for better player discipline.

The first half of the soccer match between Orlando City and Inter Miami, while offering moments of action and excitement, made it clear that Messi’s absence had a tangible impact on the visiting team’s performance. His ability to create opportunities and unsettle opposing defenses is unparalleled, and his absence was evident in Inter Miami’s struggles to find the path to the goal. The second half promises to be interesting, and it will be intriguing to see if the visiting team can overcome Messi’s absence and find a way to secure victory.