Tonight’s showdown between Inter Miami CF and Orlando City SC in the Leagues Cup 2023 round of 32 features two protagonists on the pitch with a rivalry of their own.
Lionel Messi vs. Pedro Gallese. Pedro Gallese vs. Lionel Messi. It’s a story with several chapters already written at the national team level but will now feature the duo at the club level.
Gallese stands out for getting the better of the Argentine, something most goalkeepers who have played Messi can’t say.
“La Pulga” and “El Pulpo” have played each other four times in the South American Qualifiers and Messi has never scored a goal against the 33-year old goalkeeper. In those matches, Argentina went 2-2-0 against Peru.
This Wednesday, August 2 at 8:00 p.m. ET and 6:30 p.m. CDMX, the pair will meet again at the DRV PNK Stadium for a place in the next rond of Leagues Cup 2023. The winner will face FC Dallas or Mazatlán FC next week in the round of 16.
Messi started on fire in Leagues Cup 2023
Things will not be easy for Pedro Gallese heading into the match. Messi has been on fire to start his Inter Miami CF career,
In his debut against Cruz Azul he gave his team a win with a wonderful 90th minute free kick goal. In his second game against Atlanta United, he delivered with two goals and an assist to round out a resounding 4-0 win. Can he do it again against the Peruvian goalkeeper?
How is the history of the rivalry between Inter Miami CF and Orlando City?
Orlando CIty SC has dominated the in-state rivalry with Inter Miami CF, winning five matches and drawing three times.
The last time they met was on May 20, 2023, during the MLS season. Orlando won 3-1.
