Fresh off hanging up his boots for the Argentina national team, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF will look to return to winning ways when they host D.C. United for Matchday 29's Walmart Saturday Showdown.
How to watch & stream
When
- Saturday, Oct. 10 | 7:30 pm ET/4:30 pm PT
Where
- Nu Stadium | Miami, Florida
Standings
- 3rd in Eastern Conference
- 46 points (12W-5L-10D)
Last game
Although Messi scored a stunning free-kick golazo, the Herons suffered a 2-1 loss to Columbus Crew during last weekend's Sunday Night Soccer presented by Continental Tire thriller at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, courtesy of Jamal Thiaré's stoppage-time winner.
Players to watch
- Lionel Messi: With a league-best 21g/13a, the legendary No. 10 looks set to win his third consecutive MVP award. This will be Messi's first game since his international send-off with Argentina.
- Casemiro: Deputizing primarily as a center back, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United midfielder has helped improve the Herons' defense.
- Luis Suárez: With 13g/8a, the 39-year-old Uruguayan legend has recorded double-digit goals during each of his three seasons in Miami.
- Rodrigo De Paul: Tasked with box-to-box midfield duties, De Paul has 4g/12a this season while remaining Messi's "bodyguard" on the pitch.
Need to know
Inter Miami are still searching for that new coach boost after appointing Cristian "Kily" González as their manager amid a five-game winless streak in league play.
In fact, the Herons have won just once in their last 10 league matches since the start of August and have subsequently fallen out of the Supporters' Shield race.
Nonetheless, they're still among the favorites to repeat as MLS Cup presented by Audi champions and become the first back-to-back winners since the LA Galaxy in 2011-12.
That's largely because Lionel Messi is once again leading the league in goal contributions (34) as he chases a historic Landon Donovan MLS MVP three-peat.
Standings
- 11th in Eastern Conference
- 30 points (6W-8L-12D)
Last game
Summer signing Kimito Nono netted his first MLS goals with a brace in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Western Conference-leading Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
Players to watch
- Tai Baribo: The Israeli international has scored a team-leading 14 goals this season, living up to expectations after joining from the Philadelphia Union in the offseason.
- Louis Munteanu: A fellow Designated Player striker, the Romanian international has 6g/4a in his first MLS season after joining on a club-record transfer (reportedly up to $10 million).
- Keisuke Kurokawa: In his first MLS season, the Japanese defender has produced a joint-best five assists for D.C. from left back.
- Sean Johnson: An MLS veteran between the sticks, Johnson is top 10 in saves per 90 and clean sheets this season.
Need to know
Just three points back of the Wild Card spots in the Eastern Conference with a game in hand on both New York-based holders, D.C. have their sights set firmly on an Audi MLS Cup Playoffs appearance.
However, like Miami, the Black-and-Red have won just once in their last nine games since the start of August.
Freshly returned from international duty with their countries, DP striker duo Tai Baribo and Louis Munteanu will aim to get D.C. back to winning ways in Miami.
Fans seem to feel confident in Miami picking up three points this weekend, with the Herons earning over 71% of the market, compared to 14% for D.C.
Market insights shared are current as of Thursday, Oct. 8 at 10 am ET.
