Inter Miami are entering the decisive stretch of the 2025 season. They have just six matches remaining in the regular season of Major League Soccer, making every game crucial. This Saturday, the Herons will take on DC United at Chase Stadium, and all eyes are on Lionel Messi.
Javier Mascherano’s team has shown inconsistent form lately, alternating between dominant wins and tough losses, like last week’s defeat against Charlotte FC. However, that hasn’t prevented them from staying in the Eastern Conference playoff zone.
Currently, they sit in sixth place in the standings with 49 points, eight behind leaders Philadelphia Union but with three games in hand. That means they still have a shot at competing for the Supporters’ Shield if they can put together a winning streak in the final stretch of the MLS.
DC United are facing a completely different reality. They’ve been one of the worst-performing teams this season, with just 25 points from 30 matches. Only CF Montreal and LA Galaxy have had worse records this year in MLS. Already out of playoff contention in the East, the Black-and-Red will try to pull off an upset this Saturday at Chase Stadium.
Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring the team’s second goal with teammate Jordi Alba during the MLS match between Inter Miami CF and Seattle Sounders FC.
Will Lionel Messi play against DC United?
Given how important Saturday’s match is for Inter Miami, it’s expected that head coach Javier Mascherano will field his strongest possible lineup. That obviously includes Lionel Messi.
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The Argentine forward appears to be in top physical shape, having completed the full 90 minutes in each of the Herons’ last two matches, against Charlotte FC and Seattle Sounders. In addition, he trained normally alongside the rest of the squad during Friday’s final practice session. Because of all that, it’s almost certain that Messi will be part of the starting lineup.
Inter Miami predicted lineup
With several players unavailable due to injuries and suspensions, Javier Mascherano knows that Saturday will be the final match without Luis Suarez, who is serving the last game of his three-match suspension following incidents in the Leagues Cup final against Seattle Sounders. The good news is the return to fitness of Telasco Segovia and Baltasar Rodriguez, who both missed the previous game.
Inter Miami’s predicted starting lineup: Oscar Ustari; Ian Fray, Gonzalo Lujan, Maximiliano Falcon, Noah Allen; Rodrigo De Paul, Yannick Bright, Sergio Busquets, Mateo Silvetti; Tadeo Allende, Lionel Messi.
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MLS 2025 TV Schedule USA and Streaming Links
DC United predicted lineup
For Saturday’s clash, head coach Rene Weiler will look to extend his team’s five-match unbeaten streak, while also recognizing the need to take special precautions against Inter Miami’s stars—especially Lionel Messi.
DC United’s predicted starting lineup: Luis Barraza; Conner Antley, Lucas Bartlett, Kye Rowles, David Schnegg; Matti Peltola, Aaron Herrera, Jackson Hopkins, Brandon Servania, Gabriel Pirani; Christian Benteke.
