Preview: Inter Miami start home run against Chicago
Inter Miami enter a run of three home games when they face Chicago Fire on Tuesday night at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
By James Nalton
Lionel Messi’s side still have a chance of topping the overall table in MLS and retaining their Supporters’ Shield title, but they have made things more difficult by not winning as expected in Toronto at the weekend.
This will be Inter Miami’s seventh game in 18 days as they continue to play catch-up both in terms of games played and, they hope, points earned.
This game itself is one that was rearranged due to Miami’s participation in the Leagues Cup final at the end of August.
Philadelphia did what Inter Miami couldn’t
Just when it looked like Inter Miami were on a run that could see them challenge for the Supporters’ Shield, they failed to capitalise in a game that, on paper, should have been an easy win.
Tadeo Allende scored the only goal in a 1-1 draw in Canada on Saturday, as Miami stumbled on their charge to the top of the table.
While Javier Mascherano’s side failed to get the win against a Toronto FC team that are stuck down in the lower end of the Eastern Conference, league leaders Philadelphia Union had no such problems against similar opposition.
The Union dispatched bottom-of-the-table DC United 6-0 in the capital on Saturday night.
Miami’s game against DC United in August also finished 1-1, and this failure to get maximum points against these two struggling teams could be the difference come the end of the season.
Messi’s run ends
As Inter Miami’s winning run ended, so did Messi’s run of goals and assists in consecutive games.
A Messi goal usually means a Miami win. He has scored in 16 MLS games for his club this season, and they have won 13 of those.
On the other hand, in the 14 games in which Messi hasn’t scored, including those in which he didn’t feature at all, Miami only won three times.
It is not a surprise that the form of Messi and the results of Inter Miami are so closely intertwined.
This is why, if they do win the Supporters’ Shield, it is almost certain that Messi will also be named the league’s MVP.
Going into this game against Chicago, both of these things remain in the balance.
Opposition watch: Chicago Fire
Chicago would secure postseason qualification with a win against Inter Miami, so they have plenty to play for themselves.
They will be trying to ignore the noise around their high-profile opposition and concentrate on their own goals for the season. The focus on Miami could even be good for them, taking off some of the pressure.
The Fire are managed this season by former United States men’s national team boss Gregg Berhalter, and have improved under his watch.
Whatever happens in their last three games, 2025 will see their highest league finish in six seasons.
They also have some quality players on their books these days, including their top scorer, Hugo Cuypers, who has 17 goals this campaign, and 2025 signing Philip Zinckernagel.
Berhalter’s side have a game in hand over a New York Red Bulls side that are looking to add to a 15-season playoff streak, but still need two points to make sure of playoff qualification.
Prediction
Inter Miami to return to winning ways at home, meaning Chicago have to wait a little longer to secure their playoff spot.
(Cover Image from IMAGO)
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