Inter Miami scored 81 goals in the regular MLS season last year, leading the league.
In a surprising start to their 2026 season, the defending champions did not score in their opening match.
Miami aims to change that when they travel to Orlando City this Sunday night.
Last week, Miami lost 3-0 to Los Angeles FC, with soccer star Lionel Messi taking four shots, all of which missed the target.
This was not the season debut Miami coach Javier Mascherano had hoped for.
“We clearly know we have a lot to improve,” Mascherano stated. “We need to build on our positives, fix our mistakes, and move forward.”
Following their MLS Cup win over the Vancouver Whitecaps, Miami is expected to visit the White House next Thursday, just before a game against D.C. United.
Messi managed to score in a friendly match on Thursday, leading Miami to a 2-1 victory against Ecuador’s Independiente del Valle in Bayamon, Puerto Rico.
Orlando City has struggled to contain Messi, who has scored six goals in four matches against them across all tournaments.
Orlando City also experienced a tough opening last weekend, losing 2-1 to the New York Red Bulls.
Their first goal came late, in the sixth minute of stoppage time, when Tiago scored from a pass by Zakaria Taifi.
New goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau faced a lot of pressure and tied a franchise record with 11 saves.
Crepeau noted that Orlando might have an edge in freshness due to Miami’s recent travel to Puerto Rico.
“The mileage they have is a bit more challenging than ours since we were here,” Crepeau said. “But both teams will be ready when they step on the field.”
Last season, Orlando City won both regular-season games against Miami, scoring a total of 7-1 in those matches. Messi played in just one of them.
However, he did score two goals in the Leagues Cup semifinals, helping Miami win 3-1.
Orlando coach Oscar Pareja emphasized that his team shouldn’t be overly focused on Messi.
“They have maintained an identity that works for them, and we approach them like any other team, but our focus is primarily on ourselves,” Pareja said.