With the absences of Leo Messi and Jordi Alba, Inter Miami faces Orlando City at home this Sunday, a difficult rival for those in pink on their way to continue climbing positions and reach the MLS playoffs.
This new edition of the Florida derby will take place just three days before Inter Miami faces a new final, since on Wednesday the US Open Cup title will be played at home in a single match against the Houston Dynamo.
Without Lionel Messi, who will not compete this Sunday in the Orlando-Inter Miami due to a physical problem, the Argentines Luciano Acosta, with a ‘Maradonian’ goal, Thiago Almada, with a goal and assist, and Álvaro Barreal, with a work of art by direct foul, gave Latin shine to the day of the American MLS.
Barreal and Acosta feasted at TQL Stadium. Cincinnati defeated Charlotte 3-0 based on extraordinary goals, the first of which was scored by Barreal with a perfect direct free kick nailed into a corner.
Acosta, one of the big favorites for the MVP of the season, gave an assist to make it 2-0 and signed a marvel in the 78th minute, when he started from his defensive half of the field and covered 60 meters of the field, dribbling past three rivals , before defining with his right foot for the final 3-0.
It was a party in Cincinnati to celebrate a team that is heading towards the playoffs and that does not set limits.
Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino confirmed that Messi and Alba retired injured on Wednesday against Toronto and will not participate in the Orlando match.
The Argentine coach detailed to the media that Messi is dealing with “the issue of the old scar” while Alba has “muscle fatigue.” “Day by day we will evaluate them,” he clarified.
