Inter Miami will be without Lionel Messi as they travel to face DC United in a Saturday MLS clash, but remain favored to extend their lead in the standings despite a depleted lineup.
Messi has been ruled out by head coach Javier Mascherano due to a right hamstring issue re-aggravated in last Saturday’s 3-1 win over the LA Galaxy. Inter Miami will also be missing Jordi Alba, who picked up a knee injury in Wednesday’s Leagues Cup win over Tigres UANL. Mascherano, who was ejected at halftime in that Leagues Cup match and faced questions about his conduct, has served a one-game Leagues Cup suspension and will not coach from the stands by phone during this game.
Missing Messi and Alba ahead of a road trip to a better-rested opponent would usually pose a major hurdle, but the mood around the match is more confident for Miami. DC United sit near the bottom of MLS this season, with 20 points, compared with Miami’s 45 points and three games in hand. United also own a league-worst goal difference at minus 29.
How to watch
Date: Saturday, August 23
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Audi Field, Washington, D.C.
TV: None
Streaming: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Inter Miami starting lineup: No Messi vs. D.C. United
Mascherano has continued to rotate heavily, and with Messi unavailable and Alba out, the club has leaned on reserves and squad depth. Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Rodrigo De Paul are among the stars sitting on the bench as the Herons adopt a deeper, more rotation-first approach for this match.
D.C. United starting lineup
Under new manager René Weiler, United have set up a defense-first configuration. Captain and striker Christian Benteke is in street clothes due to a yellow-card suspension, as is Boris Enow; Benteke and Enow are suspended for this match. Caden Clark was also ruled out ahead of the game. Weiler’s first press conference in the role emphasized the need to tighten the backline, which could be tested by Miami’s potential reliance on fringe players.
What this means
– Inter Miami’s depth will be put to the test, especially with Messi and Alba sidelined. The squad’s ability to absorb injuries and still produce offense could be a talking point as the season progresses.
– DC United’s suspension list and injuries create an opening for younger players to step in, but their defensive emphasis suggests they’ll try to disrupt Miami’s best attackers even without a full complement.
– The matchup offers valuable minutes for fringe Miami players to prove they belong in the rotation, and could help Mascherano assess options ahead of a busy stretch.
Summary
Inter Miami heads to Audi Field without Messi and Alba but with a clear expectation to take three points against a struggling DC United side. The game will test Miami’s depth and Mascherano’s squad management, while offering a chance for reserve players to showcase their readiness for more regular roles.
Positive takeaway
Even with star names out, Miami’s depth and points cushion give the club room to experiment. If the younger players step up, it could strengthen Miami’s title-contending posture going into a critical phase of the season.