Minnesota United and Inter Miami are set to square off in what promises to be a high-stakes Major League Soccer clash at Allianz Field on Saturday, with both sides aiming to extend their impressive early-season form. Minnesota, currently sitting second in the Western Conference, and Inter Miami, fourth in the Eastern Conference, have both rebounded from recent setbacks and will be looking to solidify their respective positions with a statement victory.
For Minnesota United, the season has begun on a positive note under Eric Ramsay, as the Loons have collected 19 points from their opening 11 matches, recording five wins and suffering only two defeats. Following a sixth-place finish and a Conference semi-finals exit last season, Minnesota have shown signs of progress, particularly with their recent form.
After an eight-match unbeaten streak was brought to an abrupt end by the Vancouver Whitecaps in late April, Minnesota swiftly bounced back with a dominant 3-0 victory over Austin FC last weekend. An Ilie Sanchez own goal, followed by strikes from Anthony Markanich and Joaquin Pereyra, secured the three points and reaffirmed Minnesota’s attacking potency.
Ramsay’s side further extended their winning momentum with a 1-0 win over Louisville City in the US Open Cup round of 32 on Wednesday, courtesy of a decisive strike from Darius Randell. Now, with back-to-back wins and renewed confidence, Minnesota will be aiming to close the seven-point gap to conference leaders Vancouver while maintaining their stronghold on second place.
On the other side, Inter Miami enter Saturday’s encounter riding high on the back of a resounding 4-1 victory over New York Red Bulls. Despite a brief hiccup in the form of a 4-3 home defeat to FC Dallas, the Herons responded emphatically last weekend with a comprehensive attacking display that saw Fafa Picault, Marcelo Weigandt, Luis Suarez, and Lionel Messi all find the net.
That win lifted Javier Mascherano’s men to 21 points from 10 matches, leaving them just one point off second and third spots in the Eastern Conference and two points behind leaders Columbus Crew, with a game in hand on all three. A win at Allianz Field could potentially propel Miami to the summit, depending on other results — a powerful motivator for a side seeking to assert their dominance after a Supporters’ Shield-winning campaign last year.
With both sides possessing formidable attacking options and renewed momentum, Saturday’s clash shapes up as a pivotal encounter in the early playoff race. Minnesota will lean on their home form and defensive solidity, having kept clean sheets in two of their last three outings, while Miami will look to Messi and Suárez to spearhead another offensive masterclass. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Minnesota United enter Saturday’s showdown against Inter Miami with several injury concerns. Hassani Dotson, Owen Gene, and Kipp Keller remain sidelined due to ongoing injuries, limiting head coach Eric Ramsay’s defensive options. Additionally, forward Kelvin Yeboah, who has contributed four MLS goals this season, could miss out once again after being absent from Minnesota’s last two fixtures.
Ramsay opted to rotate his squad for the US Open Cup tie against Louisville City in midweek, but he is expected to revert to the lineup that secured a 3-0 win over Austin FC in their previous MLS outing. That would see Tani Oluwaseyi return to lead the line, having netted a team-high five goals this season. Midfield duo Carlos Harvey and Wil Trapp, both of whom were rested in midweek, are also expected to be reinstated in the starting XI.
Minnesota United are likely to line up in a 3-4-3 formation, a system that has provided them with both defensive stability and attacking width this season.
In goal, Dayne St. Clair will retain his place as the first-choice shot-stopper. The back three is expected to consist of Michael Boxall on the right, Nicolas Romero centrally, and Jefferson Diaz on the left, forming a robust and well-organised defensive structure.
In midfield, the wing-back roles will be occupied by Bongokuhle Hlongwane on the right and Anthony Markanich Jr on the left, both providing width and attacking support. In the centre, Carlos Harvey and Wil Trapp will form the double pivot, tasked with protecting the backline and distributing possession effectively.
The attacking trio will include Joaquin Pereyra on the right wing, Robin Lod on the left, and Tani Oluwaseyi leading the line as the centre-forward. Lod’s creativity and Pereyra’s pace will be vital in supporting Oluwaseyi, who has been in fine scoring form and will aim to add to his tally against a Miami defence that has been vulnerable to counter-attacks.
Probable Lineup (3-4-3): St Clair; Boxall, Romero, Diaz; Hlongwane, Harvey, Trapp, Markanich Jr; Pereyra, Oluwaseyi, Lod
Inter Miami are expected to retain the same starting lineup that powered them to a commanding 4-1 victory over New York Red Bulls last weekend. However, head coach Javier Mascherano will once again be without several key players. Drake Callender, the first-choice goalkeeper, remains unavailable due to injury, with Oscar Ustari set to continue deputising between the posts.
In midfield, David Ruiz and Baltasar Rodriguez are also still confined to the treatment room, limiting Mascherano’s options in the centre of the park. Despite the absences, Inter Miami’s attacking lineup remains formidable, spearheaded by the iconic duo of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, both of whom were on target in the resounding win over the Red Bulls.
Messi continues to shine as the MLS’s most influential player, having amassed 43 goals and 21 assists in 53 appearances since joining the Herons. Meanwhile, Suarez has been equally prolific, contributing 23 goals and 14 assists across the 2024 and 2025 league campaigns.
Inter Miami are expected to deploy a 4-4-2 formation, a structure that allows Messi and Suárez to operate as a dual attacking threat while maintaining defensive solidity through the midfield.
In goal, Oscar Ustari will continue as the starting goalkeeper. The back four is expected to consist of Marcelo Weigandt at right-back, Noah Allen and Gonzalo Lujan as the central defensive pairing, and Jordi Alba occupying the left-back position. Alba’s experience and overlapping runs will be pivotal in linking up with the attack.
In midfield, the right flank will be managed by Tadeo Allende, while the left side will see Fafa Picault, who offers pace and directness. The central midfield partnership will comprise Sergio Busquets and Yannick Bright, providing a balance of experience, ball distribution, and defensive coverage.
Up front, the strike duo of Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi will lead the line. Messi will operate in a slightly withdrawn role, allowing him to drop deep to create space and link up with Suarez, whose finishing and aerial prowess will be crucial in breaking down Minnesota’s defence.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Ustari; Weigandt, Allen, Lujan, Alba; Allende, Busquets, Bright, Picault; Suarez, Messi
In a match that could see Inter Miami climb to the top of the Eastern Conference standings, all eyes will once again be on the iconic Lionel Messi. The Argentine maestro has been a transformative figure for the Herons since his arrival, and his impact this season has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Messi has already accumulated nine goals and six assists in the current MLS campaign, taking his overall tally to an astonishing 43 goals and 21 assists in just 53 appearances for the club. His ability to dictate play, create scoring opportunities, and deliver in clutch moments has made him the league’s most influential player, and his chemistry with Luis Suárez continues to torment opposing defences.
Against Minnesota United, Messi’s vision, close control, and lethal finishing will be pivotal in unlocking a defence that has kept three clean sheets in their last six home matches. Additionally, with Minnesota likely to crowd the midfield and limit space, Messi’s ability to drop deep, receive the ball in tight areas, and orchestrate attacking moves will be crucial.
Moreover, the Argentine’s record in high-stakes matches is well-documented, and with Inter Miami having the chance to potentially go top of the conference, expect Messi to once again rise to the occasion. Whether it’s a pinpoint through ball to Suárez, a curling free-kick, or a moment of individual brilliance, Lionel Messi is the man to watch as the Herons seek to extend their strong start to the MLS season.
Both teams enter this contest in high spirits and with plenty to play for. Minnesota’s home advantage and defensive structure could give them a slight edge, but Inter Miami’s star-studded attack, led by Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, remains a potent threat. Expect a closely contested encounter with both sides finding the net.
