Preview: Inter Miami take on Atlanta United in penultimate regular season round
With just two games left to play in the 2025 MLS regular season, Inter Miami face Atlanta United on Saturday night, and they might have to do so without Lionel Messi.
By James Nalton
Inter Miami are now looking towards the playoffs in what is their final chance of a trophy this season, having missed out on all the others despite having Messi at their disposal.
Inter Miami fail to defend league title
It has now been confirmed that Inter Miami will not retain the Supporters’ Shield they won in 2024 after Philadelphia Union claimed the points needed to secure the title last weekend.
Given that Miami have Messi in their team, this will be viewed as a failure.
Everything now rests on the MLS Cup playoffs for Javier Mascherano and his side.
This postseason tournament, rather than the league leaders’ Supporters’ Shield, is still regarded as the true title in MLS, so if they win this, the relatively poor performance in the league might be forgotten.
They will now be able to plan their final two games with this in mind, although finishing as high as they can in the table to get what would be, in theory, an easier draw in the playoffs, will still be on their minds.
Coincidentally, this weekend’s opponents, Atlanta United, were the team that knocked Inter Miami out of the playoffs in the first round last year.
International absences
MLS continuing during the international break affects some teams more than others.
Inter Miami will be missing numerous key players, not least Messi, as well as Noah Allen, Rodrigo De Paul, Ian Fray, Santiago Morales, Telasco Segovia, and Mateo Silvetti.
However, the likes of Sergio Busquets, Luis Suárez, and Jordi Alba are available, having retired from international football.
Tadeo Allende, who scored twice in last week’s game against New England, taking him to double figures for the season, will also be available for the home team.
Some reports are even suggesting that, as both of Argentina’s international friendlies are being played in Miami, Messi might miss one of them and make an appearance for his club this weekend.
However, the organisers will likely need him present at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens for Argentina’s game against Venezuela.
Opposition watch: Atlanta United
Atlanta themselves will be missing eight players for this game due to international call-ups
Atlanta United’s full list of absentees as a result of the international break is: Miguel Almirón, Luke Brennan, Ronald Hernández, Saba Lobjanidze, Enea Mihaj, Alexey Miranchuk, Cooper Sanchez, and Bartosz Slisz.
They will still have some talented players to call upon, though, who are capable of causing problems for opposition defences on their day.
Prior to Los Angeles FC’s signing of Son Heung-min, Atlanta’s signing of Emmanuel Latte Lath from Middlesbrough for $22 million was an MLS record transfer, but it is fair to say he has not lived up to that billing.
Regardless, he and Jamal Thiare will be looking to get at the Inter Miami defence in this game, and have both previously scored against this opposition.
Prediction
Messi-less Miami will still get the job done at home and push for a good league position heading into the playoffs.
(Cover Image from IMAGO)
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