Inter Miami, featuring Lionel Messi, has experienced inconsistent results recently, often taking “one step forward and two steps back.” Their latest match against Minnesota United ended in a significant defeat, highlighting Miami`s ongoing challenges against stronger opponents. The absence of Luis Suarez in that game particularly exposed the team`s lack of depth in attack, allowing Minnesota to dictate the play throughout.
Their upcoming opponent, Bruce Arena`s San Jose Earthquakes, is unlikely to pose the same defensive challenge as Minnesota. However, San Jose boasts a potent offense. They lead MLS with 26 goals scored this season. Defensively, they are more vulnerable, having conceded 20 goals, placing them fifth-highest in goals allowed among teams that have conceded more. San Jose`s strategy under Arena often involves outscoring opponents in high-scoring affairs, a tactic that has currently placed them above the playoff threshold – a notable improvement under his guidance.
Match Information
- Date: Wednesday, May 14
- Time: 10:30 p.m. ET
- Location: PayPal Park — San Jose, California
- Live stream: MLS Season Pass
- Odds: San Jose Earthquakes: Pick; Draw +270; Inter Miami +165
Historical Context
This marks only the second ever meeting between San Jose and Inter Miami. Their single previous encounter in March 2022 resulted in a win for Miami. This match will be Messi`s first time playing in San Jose, creating considerable excitement in the Western Conference city. While “Messi mania” has somewhat normalized in areas that have seen him play multiple times, his visits to Western Conference stadiums remain highly anticipated events for fans seeing him live for the first time.
Coach`s Perspective
High expectations are standard at Inter Miami. These expectations contributed to Tata Martino`s departure after 1.5 seasons, particularly after failing to make the playoffs last season. The pressure is now felt by Javier Mascherano in his debut season as coach. He has faced challenges partly due to Miami`s recruitment not adequately addressing the need for backup players in key positions. However, with a player like Messi, the team is expected to win regardless of the rest of the roster`s depth. Following the loss to Minnesota United, Mascherano accepted responsibility for the tactical setup.
“Every time we were attacking, unfortunately, we were very vulnerable on transitions after losing the ball. That`s what worries me the most,” Mascherano stated. “If the players` performance drops, the responsibility is entirely mine. In the end, there`s a coach — and if the players aren`t convinced by what the coach is proposing, it`s the coach`s fault.”
Miami needs to find solutions to overcome playoff-caliber teams, making the San Jose match a significant test.
Potential Starting Lineups
Based on recent form and availability:
San Jose Earthquakes: Daniel, Daniel Munie, David Romney, Rodrigues, Vitor Costa, Beau Leroux, Ian Harkes, DeJuan Jones, Ousseni Bouda, Cristian Arango, Christian Espinoza
Inter Miami: Oscar Ustari, Jordi Alba, Noah Allen, Tomas Aviles, Marcelo Weigandt, Tadeo Allende, Yannick Bright, Sergio Busquets, Fafa Picault, Lionel Messi, Allen Obando
Player to Watch: Cristian Arango (San Jose Earthquakes)
Cristian Arango has been a transformative signing for San Jose, currently leading the MLS Golden Boot race with eight goals and one assist. He is firmly in the MVP conversation, and matches like this one against a high-profile opponent like Inter Miami provide a platform for him and his team. The atmosphere in San Jose for Messi`s visit is expected to be electric, and Arango will be eager to perform.
Key Storyline: Inter Miami`s Defensive Stability
Allowing 12 goals in their last three matches raises significant questions about Inter Miami`s defense. The team faced its first real period of adversity this season and now needs to demonstrate resilience, especially on the road. The four goals conceded away at Minnesota were particularly concerning.
With Messi in the squad, victory is often the expectation, but other players need to step up, particularly when key attackers like Luis Suarez are unavailable. If coach Mascherano cannot identify reliable contributors and defensive solutions before major tournaments like the Club World Cup, Inter Miami could face difficulties throughout the summer.
Match Prediction
Inter Miami`s defensive vulnerabilities are likely to persist against San Jose`s league-leading attack. Led by Cristian Arango, the Earthquakes` offense is difficult to contain. While Miami is expected to score, it may not be enough to secure a result on the road.
Predicted Score: San Jose Earthquakes 3, Inter Miami 2
