Florida Derby looms large for Lionel Messi & Inter Miami 

With the ink barely dry on his new contract extension, Inter Miami CF left back Jordi Alba got the inevitable question from reporters on Friday: Is Lionel Messi next?

“I don’t renew for anybody [else]. It’s clear we hope Leo stays; I think he’s a vital player for us and the club,” Alba said of his fellow legendary former FC Barcelona teammate, whose own deal with the Herons expires at season’s end.

“I have to look out for myself, not for others. I understand your concern, and obviously for me, it’s clear that Leo staying is much better.

“… It would be very good news if Leo continues.”

Must-win derby

Messi’s future status isn’t the only uncertainty surrounding Miami these days.

After a red-hot start to the season, last year’s record-setting Supporters’ Shield winners have just one victory in their last six games across all competitions, including a semifinal series defeat to Vancouver Whitecaps FC that derailed their Concacaf Champions Cup dreams.

They haven’t fared much better in MLS, earning just one point from their recent road trip after a 4-1 humbling by Minnesota United FC was followed by a 3-3 midweek draw at the San Jose Earthquakes.

If any game can spur a much-needed reaction, it’s their Rivalry Week showdown against Florida Derby opponent Orlando City SC, which opens a doubleheader edition of Sunday Night Soccer presented by Continental Tire (7 pm ET | MLS Season Pass, Apple TV+).

“We need to work more, we need to tighten things up, we need to convince the players that we can get back on that path [from earlier in the season],” head coach Javier Mascherano told reporters. “The good news is we have a new opportunity to show that on Sunday.”

Intense rivalry

Unfortunately for the Herons, they’re hosting an Orlando side that’s undefeated in their last 10 games (4W-0L-6D), led by the MVP-caliber play of Martín Ojeda (8g/3a).

Additionally, Oscar Pareja’s Lions have arguably been Messi & Co.’s biggest agitators in MLS, as evidenced first-hand by Mascherano during an exhibition match in February.

“Even though it was a friendly, you could see the intensity of these types of matches,” Mascherano said. “It may be a new rivalry due to the age of our club, but it’s a rivalry nonetheless. So it’s important to play a good game, especially to get back to winning ways.

“We need to play a good game to earn three points that [would] not only give us some tranquility, but also confidence ahead of what’s to come.”

Suárez returns

Miami got an early confidence boost on Friday with the return of Luis Suárez, who was back in training after missing the last two matches due to personal reasons. The legendary Uruguayan striker could play against Orlando, although fellow attacker Fafà Picault still hasn’t been cleared to suit up again after sitting out the club’s Western Conference trip with a migraine.

For Mascherano, getting the best possible starting XI on the pitch with regularity is essential as the Herons navigate the rest of May before making their FIFA 2025 Club World Cup debut on June 14 against Al Ahly of Egypt.

“The best way to start the Club World Cup in good form is by getting back on track in the league,” Mascherano said. “And we’re going to try to do that.”