Inter Miami returns to MLS action at home this Sunday to face FC Dallas. Lionel Messi`s team is pursuing the Supporters` Shield and currently sits fifth in the Eastern Conference. With games in hand, a victory could propel them to second place, only one point behind leaders Philadelphia Union. However, this league match comes between the two legs of their Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal against Vancouver Whitecaps, where Miami trails 2-0 after the away leg loss.
FC Dallas has had an indifferent start to the season. Their record of three wins, three draws, and three losses places them tenth in the Western Conference, just outside the current playoff positions. Securing a positive result in South Florida would signal progress under new head coach Eric Quill in his inaugural season.
Key Talking Points
The primary focus for any Inter Miami match is Lionel Messi`s availability, particularly this weekend. Given the importance of the midweek Concacaf Champions Cup tie against Vancouver, many believe those games are the priority. Messi played the full match on Thursday after a long away trip. Reports indicate both Messi and Luis Suarez showed signs of fatigue, and coach Javier Mascherano confirmed Messi felt tired. This suggests rotation is probable for Sunday`s game, a potential shift from Mascherano`s approach in a similar situation previously. Following a loss to LAFC in the CCC quarterfinals, he played a strong team in the intervening MLS match (a 1-1 draw vs. Toronto FC), which was followed by a successful second leg against LAFC.
Match Prediction
While this match might be challenging, Inter Miami has shown they can achieve results even without their key stars playing major minutes. The game might lack excitement, but Miami is expected to secure a win against an average Dallas side still adjusting under their new coach. Predicted Score: Inter Miami 1, FC Dallas 0.
