Inter Miami’s players have been in dreadful form lately, with three losses in the last five games. It’s just the opposite when it comes to Orlando City, who won three of their last five matches. This would make you think that MLS odds are favoring the visitors, but no. Oddsmakers think the Herons from Miami will win. The reason? Lionel Messi.
Inter Miami vs. Orlando City 2025 MLS Odds
| Moneyline | Odds |
|---|---|
| Inter Miami | +100 |
| Tie | +245 |
| Orlando City | +245 |
| Goals | Odds |
|---|---|
| Over 2.5 | -200 |
| Under 2.5 | +141 |
When, Where, and How to Watch?
- Place: Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Date: Sunday, May 18, 2025
- Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
- How to Watch: Apple TV
All Eyes on Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi has played in two Inter Miami vs. Orlando City games so far, scoring two goals in each of those. This actually doesn’t mean he’s got some special kind of motivation against Inter Miami’s biggest rivals – he’s just incredibly good so two goals per game isn’t surprising at all.
The soccer GOAT could up his form if we’re being honest. So far, he’s scored just five goals in the 2025 MLS. We say “just” because at this point of the season last year, he had much better stats.
The reason is that he’s approaching the twilight of his professional career, which is why the coach is not giving him too much time on the field – Javier Mascherano wants to keep his key man healthy.
But when Messi plays, he usually does well. He made an assist in Inter Miami’s previous game, as well as scored a goal in each of the two games before.
Orlando City Hope Their Good Run Will Continue
Orlando City are in 6th place in the MLS Eastern Conference, with just one point fewer than Inter Miami. Their strongest weapon this season has been their offense, the evidence being that they scored 24 goals in 13 games.
The best thing is that their offense keeps improving – these guys scored 9 goals in their last four MLS games. Argentine striker Martin Ojeda is the one leading the way when goals are concerned with 8 goals to his name, which puts him in the No. 3 position on the list of top 2025 MLS goal-scorers.
Ojeda has been in sensational form lately, scoring one goal on Wednesday night against Charlotte and a hat-trick in the game before (a 3:3 draw with the New England Revolution).
He’s not the only Orlando City player who’s in top form at the moment. Midfielder Marco Pasalic has also been incredible and the same can be said for striker Luis Muriel.
Inter Miami vs. Orlando City Prediction
We think that the Herons will win the 2025 Florida Derby. Our prediction is that Lionel Messi will play a crucial role in the May 18 game, possibly scoring a couple of goals. We also predict that Orlando City will fight back, but they’re not going to score enough to get anything out of their Miami trip.