Match Preview: Inter Miami vs. Philadelphia Union
This Saturday night, Inter Miami will face off against the Philadelphia Union at Chase Stadium in a significant Eastern Conference clash in Major League Soccer (MLS). Both teams are currently performing well, with Miami expected to compete at the top tier of the league and the Union surprisingly matching their momentum early in the season.
Match Details
- Date: Saturday, March 29
- Time: 7:30 PM (ET)
- Location: Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Live Stream: MLS Season Pass
- Odds: Inter Miami -155; Draw +340; Philadelphia Union +340
Player Availability: Lionel Messi’s Status
Inter Miami will likely be evaluating Lionel Messi’s fitness as he recovers from a hamstring strain sustained during a match against Atlanta United. His recent injury forced him to miss international duty with Argentina, where the team secured victories against Uruguay and Brazil. However, time away from competitive play may enable him to return against the Union.
This season, Miami has opted for a cautious approach with Messi, who has only participated in five of the club’s eight matches across all competitions. Nonetheless, his impact has been notable—he has managed to either score or assist in every match in which he has played. The emergence of players such as Telasco Segovia and Tadeo Allende has provided coach Javier Mascherano flexibility in team selection.
Current Standings and Historical Context
Holding an unbeaten record thus far, Inter Miami sits in contention for the conference’s top position. The Philadelphia Union, led by Bradley Carnell, has showcased impressive form, currently tied with the Vancouver Whitecaps for the highest points in MLS. Historically, Miami has had the upper hand against the Union, winning four of their last five encounters. Their latest matchup was in September 2024, where Miami secured a 3-1 victory, with Messi netting two goals.
Coaches’ Insights
Mascherano expressed optimism about Messi’s chances to play against the Union. “Leo is good; God willing and if nothing weird happens, he will be named to the matchday roster,” he stated. He also emphasized the need for careful management: “Leo is a very special player in that sense… he knows his body very well.” While he did not confirm that Messi would start, his presence would be a vital asset for the team.
Implications of the Match
With playoff ambitions stirring early in the season, Miami aims to break their previous record of 74 points in a single MLS season. On the flip side, the Union, after a disappointing last season without a playoff appearance, are looking to establish themselves as legitimate contenders by taking down one of the league’s favored teams. Making a statement against Miami would mark a significant turning point for their campaign.
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
Key Player to Watch
Tadeo Allende emerges as a central figure for Miami, particularly in Messi’s absence. His transition from Celta Vigo has been seamless, and with four goals to his name already, he poses a significant threat to the Union’s defense. His performance in this match could further solidify his status as a valuable asset for the Herons.
Match Prediction
The outcome of this match is difficult to predict with both teams showing strong capabilities. The Union’s aggressive pressing style clashing with Miami’s strategic build-up play promises an engaging encounter. A close match could unfold, and a prediction of a 2-2 draw seems plausible.
Follow the Action
For further coverage of this and other soccer events, fans are encouraged to check out CBS Sports Golazo Network, featuring shows like Morning Footy and weekly deep dives into the state of soccer in the U.S. as well as around the globe.