Inter Miami have yet to lose a match in the 2025 season. After 8 rounds, they have won 7 matches and only drawn 1. The biggest contribution to Inter Miami's impressive streak is none other than Lionel Messi. The Argentine striker has scored 4 goals and 2 assists after 5 appearances.
However, Inter Miami is at risk of not having Messi's services in the upcoming match. The Argentine star suffered a muscle injury in the match against Atlanta and missed the recent national team training session. El Pulga is said to still have to practice separately and will likely not be able to return in the match against Philadelphia. This is a huge loss for Inter Miami because Messi is the main inspiration for their playing style.
It is likely that coach Rafael Mascherano will not take any risks using Messi in the match against Philadelphia. The Argentine wants Messi to boost his energy for the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup quarter-final against Los Angeles in midweek.
In addition to Messi, the home team will also not have the services of David Ruiz, Robert Taylor and Marcelo Weygandt. All are recovering from hamstring injuries.
More worryingly, Inter Miami's opponent in the upcoming match is a Philadelphia who is also in good form. They are currently leading the Eastern Conference rankings with 4 wins and 1 loss. Philadelphia will be the toughest opponent Inter Miami have faced since the beginning of the season. In the context of missing the most important star, this is a big challenge for Inter Miami.
Of course, Inter Miami are still in better form and will also play at home. In the last 3 clashes between the two teams, Inter Miami have always won. The latest was a 3-1 win at the Chase Arena last September.
Although Messi is absent from the squad, with the remaining stars in the attack such as Suarez or Allende, the home team has reason to confidently aim for a victory.
Expected lineup:
Inter Miami: Rios, Lujan, Allen, Falcon, Alba, Segovia, Busquets, Bright, Picault, Suarez, Allende.
Philadelphia:ick, Mbaizo, Harriel, Glavinovich, Glesnes, Wagner, Sullivan, Lukic, Vassilev, Uhre, Damiani.
The match between Inter Miami and Philadelphia takes place at 6:30 am on March 30 (Vietnam time).
