Inter Miami’s 0-0 tie against Orlando City without Lionel Messi on Sunday, September 24, elicited a mixed reaction from fans online.
On Sunday, the Herons headed to Orlando City’s Exploria Stadium in Major League Soccer (MLS) action. In the 52nd minute, midfielder David Ruiz opened the scoring for the visitors.
The hosts, on the other hand, responded in the 66th minute with a goal from striker Duncan McGuire.
Sharing the points in Orlando tonight. pic.twitter.com/pWej0WliyY
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) September 25, 2023
Inter Miami had 48% of the game’s possession. They had nine shots on goal, five of which were on target, compared to Orlando City’s 13 shots, six of which were on target. In the absence of their captain, Messi, the Herons had a mediocre showing.
The Argentine attacker missed the game due to an injury sustained when he was substituted in the 37th minute of their last game against Toronto FC.
Fans on X (previously Twitter) were critical of the Herons’ performance versus Orlando City, with one writing:
“This is so bad. No Messi no party”
Another fan tweeted:
“Woeful performance”
Here are some more fan responses to the game:
This is so bad
— ujay12 (@ujay124) September 25, 2023
No Messi no party
😥😥
Where is he pic.twitter.com/29eHBJqTPA
— Rayan (@SavePullga) September 25, 2023
Woeful performance
— Puff Baby (@iam_Puffbaby) September 25, 2023
No Messi no party
— Football Pictures That Go Wild (@footypicswild) September 25, 2023
Martinez costed us this game
— . (@iruomafavour39) September 25, 2023
Inter Miami has now gone two games without a victory in the MLS. They fell 5-2 to Atlanta United before beating Toronto FC 4-0 and now drawing 1-1 with Orlando City.
The Herons are second from last in the Eastern Conference, while Orlando is first.