Inter Miami lost 3-0 to Orlando at home in May, and since then, had lost just two of 16 games, and one of those was to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup. Mascherano's team overcame its spring funk and reached the knockout round of the Club World Cup and the Leagues Cup.

Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi, who is tied with Nashville SC’s Sam Surridge for the league lead with 18 goals, missed the match due to a right leg injury the 38-year-old suffered Aug. 2 in a

With Luis Muriel in fine form, Orlando City won the Clásico del Sol, beating an Inter Miami side without Messi 4-1.