Inter Miami vs. Philadelphia Union: Preview, Predictions, Team News

Inter Miami look to maintain their unbeaten start to the Major League Soccer season when Philadelphia Union come to Florida.

The Herons come in having won their five previous games in all competitions. Their only blemish so far this season was a draw against New York City FC on opening day. Since then, Miami have scored 14 goals in six games across MLS and the Concacaf Champions Cup. As well, Lionel Messi should be back in action which is a major boost after he missed the Argentina national team camp. It remains up in the air how Javier Mascherano will use him, if at all, given how careful the team has been to manage his minutes early doors.

For Philadelphia, despite a loss to Nashville earlier this month, they’re looking to extend their lead atop the Eastern Conference in what’s been a red hot start for the northeast team. Tai Baribo leads all of MLS with six goals so far and is putting himself in the early conversation for Golden Boot contenders.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Inter Miami vs. Philadelphia Union in MLS action.

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Last meeting: Inter Miami 3-1 Philadelphia Union (Sept. 14, 2024) – MLS Regular Season

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Inter Miami’s head coach, Mascherano, confirmed to reporters that Messi should be available to play. Given Messi hasn’t started just two of Miami’s first four games, don’t be surprised if he gets the nod here. As well, if Miami is able to jump out to a lead, they can rest Messi ahead of the Concacaf Champions Cup against LAFC next week.

Players expected to miss the game through injury are David Ruiz, Marcelo Weigandt and Robert Taylor.

Inter Miami predicted lineup vs Philadelphia Union (4-4-2): Ustari; Fray, Aviles, Allen, Alba; Allende, Bright, Busquets, Cremaschi; Messi, Suarez

Philadelphia get two big boosts ahead of the game: the return of their Golden Boot leader and defender Kai Wagner. Both players were away on international duty last week, but Philadelphia managed to bounce back regardless with a win over St. Louis CITY SC.

Baribo vs. Messi, or Baribo vs. Suarez will be the premier striker matchup of the MLS weekend as both sides duke it out.

Philadelphia Union Predicted Lineup vs Inter Miami (4-4-2): Blake; Westfield, Glesnes, Glavinovich, Wagner; Sullivan, Jacques, Lukic, Gazdag; Baribo, Uhre

Inter Miami have kept one clean sheet this season in MLS which bodes well for the likes of Baribo and Uhre up top. The Union on the other side have kept two, but have also conceded two more goals than the Herons so far having played one more game.

A lot hinges on whether or not Messi starts or is named to the bench. If the game is within reach and he’s on the bench, Mascherano could be more inclined to substitute him in. If the Herons get another red card, Mascherano could hold off like he did against Charlotte earlier this month.

Regardless, there are goals in it for both sides. The points are shared in a four-goal thriller between two of the Eastern Conference’s best.

Prediction: Inter Miami 2–2 Philadelphia Union

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