Inter Miami scored a 5-0 win against Orlando City thanks to Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Julian Gressel. The referee had previously been removed because there were pictures of him in a Miami jersey.
Dream couple: Messi and Suarez had six scorer points together. IMAGO/USA TODAY Network
The first little excitement occurred before the game, as referee Guiherme Ceretta was relieved of his duties at short notice. How The Athletic According to reports, pictures of the referee were published on social media showing him wearing an Inter Miami jersey. As the Professional Referee Organization (PRO) announced, Ceretta was withdrawn from the game due to a possible conflict situation. The game was refereed by Jamie Herrera.
World champion Lionel Messi and his strike partner Luis Suarez then put on the big show together with Julian Gressel. The trio scored four goals and four assists in Inter Miami’s 5-0 (3-0) win against Orlando City.
Miami got off to an early start. Messi sent Gressel to the right, whose cross hit the first post and Suarez pushed it into the short corner (4th). Suarez practically prepared the 2-0 himself with a one-two with Gressel (11th). Once underway, the Uruguayan shone as a provider for Taylor’s 3-0 win (29′).
Messi takes over with a brace after the break
After the substitution, it was Gressel who scored the fourth goal, but only hit the crossbar (54′). Shortly afterwards, Messi was in the right place when he only had to stumble the ball into the goal after a rescue attempt by Orlando (57th).
While the guests needed an hour for their first shot on goal, Miami continued to push forward. Suarez showed himself again, crossing to Messi with his fourth scorer point. The Argentine headed in from seven meters (62′) completely free-standing.
“I’m very happy for him that he was able to score a goal,” said Messi about his friend Suarez, with whom he won the Champions League with Barca in 2015: “We know what Luis can do, everyone knows that.” The team from Florida leads the Eastern Conference with two wins and one draw.