Messi, Suarez score twice each in Inter Miami's 5-0 rout of Orlando City

Inter Miami’s defense held up again

During the preseason world tour, Miami’s defense looked shaky at times, and there were concerns that goalkeeper Drake Callender was lacking a strong supporting staff in the back line. Martino experimented with five men in the back, but went to four, which seems to be working much better.

So far, Inter Miami has recorded two shutouts in three games and allowed just one goal. Callender, who had to make big saves to keep Miami alive against the L.A. Galaxy, had a relatively easy night against Orlando.

The back line of DeAndre Yedlin, Tomas Aviles, Nico Freire and Jordi Alba absorbed Orlando’s pressure well all night. Freire, the Argentine starting his first game for Miami in place of Ukrainian Sergiy Kryvtsov, partnered well with Aviles and looked at ease.

Gressel growing into new role

Gressel came to Inter Miami from the MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew in January with a reputation as a versatile midfielder/winger who knew the league and would provide valuable leadership on and off the field.

It took him a few games to get adjusted to his new teammates. Against Orlando everything clicked. Gressel was instrumental in both of Suarez’s goals, and wore a huge smile when he was subbed off in the 67th minute.

“It was nice to kind of get myself going and on the stat sheet as well and find a way to contribute,” Gressel said. “I think the more multidimensional that we are and the more guys can contribute in terms of goals — Robert scored again today — and assists, the more headaches we cause for the other teams. That is what I am trying to do, that is why I am here as well: to not just be a bystander but also contribute. I think today it worked really well.”

Champions Cup opener won’t be easy

Despite the strong start and big win Saturday, Inter Miami faces a huge challenge on the road against Nashville SC Thursday in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16. They will face a defensive-minded Nashville, which gave Miami fits when they played last season. Since Messi’s arrival, they tied Nashville 0-0 and beat them in a dramatic penalty kick shootout in the Leagues Cup final.

“It was important that we start the season off well because then the league will pause and other tournaments will begin,” Messi said. “It’s good to arrive with some breathing room and get the most points possible before tournaments like Copa America, Leagues Cup and everything yet to come.”

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Writer Franco Panizo contributed to this report.