Orlando City SC to Take on Inter Miami CF in a Preseason Edition of the Florida Derby at Raymond James Stadium on February 14, 2025

TAMPA, FL (November 4, 2024) – The Tampa Bay Sports Commission announced that Orlando City Soccer Club and Inter Miami CF will compete in the preseason edition of the Florida Derby on Friday, February 14, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. from Raymond James Stadium. This exclusive opportunity to host Florida’s two Major League Soccer (MLS) franchises, the Lions and Herons, will mark the first MLS match hosted at Raymond James Stadium since 2001 and is anticipated to feature the likes of superstars Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Drake Callender (Inter Miami CF) as well as Pedro Gallese, Martin Ojeda, Ivan Angulo (OCSC).

A presale ticket interest form is now available for prospective buyers at SoccerInTampaBay.com. The official match presale will begin at 10 am on November 13^th for those registered at SoccerInTampaBay.com, before going on sale to the general public on November 14th. Season ticket members for each club should follow their respective club’s email correspondence for details related to priority presale access.

“We could not be more excited to welcome Inter Miami CF and Orlando City SC to our community,” said Rob Higgins, Executive Director, Tampa Bay Sports Commission. “To have the potential opportunity to see a generational icon such as Lionel Messi take the field in our hometown is truly special. This is something that people will tell their grandkids about.”

This 2025 preseason match represents the first time these two MLS franchises have competed in Tampa and will also mark the first Florida destination where Messi is expected to take the field, outside of South Florida.

“While our most important objective is always our ongoing pursuit of bringing titles to South Florida, we’re excited to have set one of our preseason matches for 2025. Planning ahead will help us prepare for a highly anticipated follow-up to everything we’ve accomplished, and everything we’re still fighting for in 2024. We’re looking forward to a thrilling atmosphere in our first visit to Tampa since our inaugural year in 2020,” said President of Football Operations Raúl Sanllehí.

Inter Miami, which started competing in 2020, is anchored by multiple international stars and homegrown talent, including reigning FIFA World Cup champion and back-to-back Copa America winner, Messi. His 36 goal contributions this season led MLS, while his eight Ballon d’Or trophies - awarded to the best player in the world - are the most in the sport’s history. Legendary Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets, United States Men’s National Team goalkeeper Drake Callender, and Academy product and United States Olympic midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi are among other stars that currently help round out a top-tier roster.

Lifetime Messi Accomplishments:

• 672 goals for Barcelona (most all-time)
• 474 LaLiga goals scored (most all-time)
• 192 LaLiga assists (most all-time)
• 91 goals in 2012 (Guinness World Record for most official goals in a calendar year)
• 36 LaLiga hat tricks
• 17 FIFA FIFPRO World XI appearances
• 10 LaLiga championships
• 9 LaLiga Best Player awards
• 8 Ballon d'Or awards
• 7 Copa del Rey titles
• 6 Champions League scoring titles
• 4 Champions League titles
• 3 Best FIFA Men's Player awards
• 3 UEFA Super Cup goals
• 3 FIFA Club World Cup titles
• 2 Ligue 1 championships
• 2 Copa América titles
• 2 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball awards
• 1 Leagues Cup title
• 1 Olympic gold medal (2008 Beijing)
• 1 World Cup title

Orlando City SC, which is just a short trip east on Interstate-4 from Tampa, recently became just one of two active teams to reach the MLS Cup playoffs in five consecutive seasons, all coming under the guidance of Head Coach Oscar Pareja.

“We can’t wait to bring the excitement of the Orlando/Miami rivalry down the road to our neighbors in Tampa, and look forward to having the opportunity to showcase our Lions in front of a great crowd at Raymond James Stadium,” said Orlando City SC President of Business Operations, Jarrod Dillon. “We are excited to partner with the Tampa Bay Sports Commission on this event, and look forward to it being a great addition to our 2025 MLS preseason calendar.”

Orlando City Soccer Club entered MLS as its 21st team and started competition in 2015. The Lions are currently led by Uruguayan international, Facundo Torres, who recently became Orlando City’s all-time leading scorer by netting his 45th goal in October and has 19 goals on the season. Winger Martín Ojeda has collected a team-best 12 assists, while Iván Angulo paces the squad with over 2,700 minutes played and is third on the team in assists.

Since starting the intrastate Derby in 2020, Orlando City SC owns a one-win edge in the series (five wins, four losses and four draws). No team has ever won more than two consecutive matches in the series.

Additionally, fans will have the opportunity to participate in a pregame fan festival, which will take place outside of Raymond James Stadium before the match and will be free to ticket holders.

Again, those interested in purchasing tickets should complete the presale interest form at soccerintampabay.com to receive the earliest presale access, CLICK HERE.

For match updates and additional information on the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, visit TampaBaySports.org, or @SportsTampaBay on X, Facebook, and Instagram.

WHAT LOCAL LEADERS ARE SAYING…

Tampa Sports Authority

“Raymond James Stadium has a storied history in professional soccer, from the early days of the Tampa Bay Rowdies to international matches with the Women’s and Men’s U.S. National teams,” said Eric Hart, President and CEO of the Tampa Sports Authority,” To now host MLS teams Orlando City and Inter Miami with Lionel Messi, is an exciting addition to our soccer legacy. The combined efforts of the two teams along with our partnership with the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, has made this dream a reality.”

Visit Tampa Bay

“We’re delighted to host the clash between MLS interstate rivals, Inter Miami CF and Orlando City SC at Raymond James Stadium.  The game day of February 14 is a testament to the love these world-class athletes, including of course Lionel Messi, will feel when they get to play in the premier destination that is Tampa Bay.  Visit Tampa Bay and our 900 partners will be ready to shine for soccer fans from across Florida, the country, and the world as they enjoy the beautiful game.”