Philadelphia Union v Inter Miami CF – Line-ups, stats and preview

Lionel Messi will again be in action as his Inter Miami side look to return to winning ways in Philadelphia.

The Argentina great missed a penalty against Nashville last weekend on his first start since his father’s death.

Inter Miami are second in the Eastern Conference while Philadelphia are struggling down in 13th spot.

The last time these two sides crossed paths in May 2026, fans witnessed one of the wildest fixtures in MLS history – a breathless 6-4 victory for Inter Miami in Florida that featured a Milan Iloski hat-trick and a Luis Suárez masterclass. Philadelphia will be determined to gain revenge on home turf, while Messi and company seek another vital three points.

Team news for Philadelphia Union v Inter Miami CF

Ryan Richter is expected to keep faith with the core of the Union side that secured all three points at NYCFC. Jamaican international Andre Blake starts in goal, protected by Nathan Harriel and Geiner Martínez. Wonderkid Cavan Sullivan will look to orchestrate from midfield alongside Jovan Lukić, feeding the attacking pair of Bruno Damiani and Milan Iloski.

Guillermo Hoyos has his primary weapons firing on all cylinders. Messi is slated to start on the right wing with license to drift inside, linking up with Suárez. Rodrigo De Paul provides energy and creativity in the engine room alongside Casemiro.

Predicted line-ups for Philadelphia Union v Inter Miami CF

Philadelphia: Blake; Westfield, Pierre, Harriel, Wagner; C. Sullivan, Bedoya, Jean Jacques, Q. Sullivan; Iloski, Damiani

Miami: Rios Novo; Fray, Falcon, Lujan, Reguilon; Bright, Casemiro, De Paul; Messi, Suarez, Segovia

Where to watch Philadelphia Union v Inter Miami CF: TV and online streams

The match is available to watch with an MLS Season Pass on Apple TV in the UK.

Stats for Philadelphia Union v Inter Miami CF

• The reverse meeting on May 24, 2026, produced 10 goals in a 6-4 Miami victory, marking the highest-scoring first half in recent MLS records (4-4 at the break).
• Philadelphia’s Bruno Damiani comes in on high confidence after netting a match-winning brace against NYCFC and making the MLS Team of the Matchday.
• Inter Miami’s attacking output has averaged over 2.5 goals per match with Lionel Messi orchestrating play under Guillermo Hoyos.

Prediction for Philadelphia Union v Inter Miami CF

Prediction: Philadelphia Union 2–3 Inter Miami CF

Subaru Park is always an intimidating venue, and Philadelphia will cause serious issues for Miami’s backline. However, the sheer match-winning quality of Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez in tight spaces gives the visitors the decisive edge in what promises to be another high-scoring encounter.