Inter Miami aim to continue their unbeaten streak in Major League Soccer as they host Philadelphia Union in Florida.
The Herons have won their last five matches across all competitions, with their only setback being a draw against New York City FC on opening day. Since then, they’ve netted 14 goals in six matches between MLS and the Concacaf Champions Cup. A major boost for Miami is the expected return of Lionel Messi, who missed Argentina’s recent international fixtures. However, coach Javier Mascherano may manage his playing time carefully.
Philadelphia Union, despite a recent loss to Nashville, are eager to maintain their strong start to the season and extend their lead in the Eastern Conference. Striker Tai Baribo has been in outstanding form, leading the league with six goals and positioning himself as an early contender for the Golden Boot.
Match Details
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Stadium: Chase Stadium
Date: Saturday, March 29
Kick-off Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT
Head-to-Head Record (Last 5 Games)
Inter Miami: 4 wins
Philadelphia Union: 1 win
Draws: 0
Last Meeting: Inter Miami 3-1 Philadelphia Union (Sept. 14, 2024)
Recent Form (All Competitions)
Inter Miami
March 16: Atlanta United 1-2 Inter Miami
March 13: Cavalier 0-2 Inter Miami
March 9: Inter Miami 1-0 Charlotte
March 6: Inter Miami 2-0 Cavalier
March 2: Houston Dynamo 1-4 Inter Miami
Philadelphia Union
March 22: Philadelphia Union 1-0 St. Louis CITY
March 16: Philadelphia Union 1-3 Nashville SC
March 8: New England Revolution 0-2 Philadelphia Union
March 1: Philadelphia Union 4-1 FC Cincinnati
February 22: Orlando City 2-4 Philadelphia Union
Team News
Inter Miami
Coach Javier Mascherano has confirmed Messi’s availability, though his starting status remains uncertain. If Miami takes an early lead, they may opt to rest him ahead of their Concacaf Champions Cup clash with LAFC.
Unavailable due to injury: David Ruiz, Marcelo Weigandt, and Robert Taylor.
Predicted Lineup (4-4-2):
Ustari; Fray, Aviles, Allen, Alba; Allende, Bright, Busquets, Cremaschi; Messi, Suarez
Philadelphia Union
Philadelphia will be strengthened by the return of top scorer Tai Baribo and defender Kai Wagner from international duty. Baribo, alongside fellow striker Mikael Uhre, will look to exploit Miami’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Predicted Lineup (4-4-2):
Blake; Westfield, Glesnes, Glavinovich, Wagner; Sullivan, Jacques, Lukic, Gazdag; Baribo, Uhre
Score Prediction
Inter Miami have kept just one clean sheet in MLS this season, while Philadelphia have managed two but have conceded more goals overall. A key factor will be Messi’s role—if he starts or makes a late appearance, it could swing the match.
Both teams have attacking firepower, making for an exciting encounter. Expect a high-scoring draw in a four-goal thriller.
Prediction: Inter Miami 2-2 Philadelphia Union
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