Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale will host a highly anticipated Eastern Conference match in MLS, featuring Inter Miami and the Philadelphia Union this Saturday night. While Inter Miami was tipped to be a dominant force, the Union`s impressive early season performance under Bradley Carnell has been a positive surprise.
The major talking point for Miami is the potential availability of Lionel Messi. He picked up a hamstring strain against Atlanta United, forcing him to miss Argentina`s recent international fixtures. However, the period of rest could be sufficient for him to recover in time for the crucial game against the Union.
Throughout the season, Miami has been carefully managing Messi`s workload. The Argentine superstar has participated in only five of Miami`s eight games across all competitions. Despite limited appearances, his impact has been undeniable, contributing either a goal or an assist in every match he has played. The emergence of players like Telasco Segovia and Tadeo Allende has provided manager Javier Mascherno with tactical flexibility, allowing for strategic rest for Messi.
Inter Miami remains undefeated in the early stages of the season. However, the Philadelphia Union, currently at the top of the Eastern Conference standings and level with Vancouver Whitecaps for the league`s highest points tally, represent a significant challenge to Miami`s unblemished record.
Here’s a closer look at the key storylines, viewing details, and match odds:
How to Watch Inter Miami vs. Philadelphia Union
- Date: Saturday, March 29
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Chase Stadium — Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Live stream: MLS Season Pass
- Odds: Inter Miami -155; Draw +340; Philadelphia Union +340
Previous Meeting
Historically, Inter Miami has had the upper hand in matches against the Union, winning four out of their last five encounters. Their most recent game took place in September 2024, where Inter Miami established a 2-1 halftime lead, highlighted by a brace from Messi, before Luis Suarez sealed the victory with another goal. Both teams have undergone considerable changes since then, including changes in management. However, if past results are any indication, this matchup could be a high-scoring affair.
What the Coaches Say
In the pre-match press conference, coach Mascherano suggested that Messi could potentially feature against the Union, which would be a significant boost to Miami`s attacking options. Thanks to the international break timing, Messi hasn`t missed any club matches due to his recent injury. Mascherano emphasized the importance of having Messi available for a game of this magnitude against the Union.
“Leo is in good condition, and if everything progresses as expected, he will be included in the matchday squad,” Mascherano commented. “We are managing his recovery cautiously. Leo is an exceptional player who sometimes needs to be held back to prevent unnecessary risks. He possesses great self-awareness regarding his body, and he has been progressively increasing his training intensity.” Mascherano clarified that while Messi might not necessarily start the game, his potential involvement is a positive sign for the team.
What`s at Stake
Despite the season still being in its early stages, the top position in the Eastern Conference is up for grabs. Inter Miami aims to surpass their own record for the most points in an MLS regular season, set at 74 points. To achieve this, they will need to overcome challenges like the Union. For Philadelphia, after missing out on the playoffs last season, this game presents an opportunity to solidify their status as serious contenders this season. Securing a victory against a Miami team widely expected to contend for the MLS Cup would send a strong message about the Union`s ambitions.
Predicted Lineups
Inter Miami: Oscar Ustari, Jordi Alba, Noah Allen, Maximiliano Falcon, Gonzalo Lujan, Telasco Segovia, Benjamin Cremaschi, Sergio Busquets, Yannick Bright, Tadeo Allende, Luis Suarez
Philadelphia Union: Andre Blake, Kai Wagner, Olwethu Makhanya, Jakob Glesnes, Nathan Harriel, Jovan Lukic, Danley Jean Jacques, Quinn Sullivan, Daniel Gazdag, Tai Baribo, Mikael Uhre
Player to Watch
Tadeo Allende, Inter Miami: Tadeo Allende has made a quick impact since his arrival at Inter Miami from Celta Vigo. In Messi`s absence, Allende has become a focal point of Miami`s attack. Having already scored four goals in all competitions, he`s demonstrating his scoring ability. A strong performance against the Union`s robust defense would further enhance his reputation as a valuable addition during the offseason.
Key Storyline
Will Lionel Messi play? While indications suggest Messi might be in contention for a spot in the squad, his actual participation remains uncertain and could depend on the game`s dynamics. If Miami manages to establish an early lead, there`s a possibility he might not be risked, similar to the match against Houston. However, the Union are a more formidable opponent than Houston Dynamo and might necessitate Messi`s involvement at some point. If Messi does play, his streak of contributing to the scoreline in every appearance will be on the line.
Match Prediction
Predicting the outcome of this match is particularly challenging given the comparable strengths of both teams. The Union have been prolific in scoring and employ an effective high-pressure approach. Miami, on the other hand, is versatile, capable of playing both direct and possession-based styles. This sets the stage for a potentially thrilling encounter. A draw seems like a plausible outcome. Prediction: Inter Miami 2, Philadelphia Union 2
