Inter Miami will look to maintain their perfect start to the 2026 Leagues Cup when they take on Monterrey at Nu Stadium on Saturday.
The Herons opened their campaign with an entertaining 4-2 win over Atletico San Luis, while Monterrey began with a 2-1 defeat to Orlando City and already face a crucial fixture in their bid to reach the knockout stages.
Miami produced an outstanding first-half display against San Luis, scoring four times to continue their impressive record in the Leagues Cup group stage.
Victory here would put Angel Guillermo Hoyos’s side on the brink of reaching the knockout rounds for a fourth successive tournament, while extending their unbeaten home run in all competitions to five matches.
The Herons have developed a formidable record in this competition, scoring at least twice in all but one of their Leagues Cup group-stage matches and netting three or more goals in three of their last four home games in the tournament.
They also head into Saturday’s contest having scored in 16 consecutive competitive fixtures.
Monterrey, meanwhile, endured a disappointing opening defeat against Orlando City and have now lost two of their last three matches in all competitions.
Matias Almeyda has won just one of his opening three competitive matches since taking charge, while Monterrey have failed to win any of their last seven meetings with MLS opposition inside 90 minutes.
However, the Mexican side can take confidence from their previous meetings with Inter Miami, having won both legs of their CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final against the Herons in 2024.
Team news for Inter Miami vs Monterrey
Inter Miami are without Luis Suarez through suspension, while German Berterame is doubtful because of a nose injury.
Gonzalo Lujan (calf), David Ayala (adductor) and Tadeo Allende (knee) are also injury concerns for the hosts.
Lionel Messi enjoyed another record-breaking display in the opening match, becoming the all-time leading scorer in Leagues Cup history after taking his tally to 14 goals. Telasco Segovia and Micael were also on the scoresheet against Atletico San Luis.
Monterrey could again be without Erick Aguirre as he continues to recover from muscle discomfort.
Hugo Cuypers scored their only goal against Orlando City, while Diego Rossi will be looking to continue his impressive record against Inter Miami after previously helping eliminate the Herons from this competition with Columbus Crew.
Predicted line-ups for Inter Miami vs Monterrey
Inter Miami possible starting XI: Rios Novo; Fray, Caicedo, Micael, Reguilon; Bright, Casemiro, De Paul; Messi, Pinter, Segovia
Monterrey possible starting XI: Cardenas; Chavez, Salcedo, Reyes, Arteaga; de la Rosa, Ambriz; Ocampos, Rossi, Fimbres; Cuypers
How to watch Inter Miami vs Monterrey: TV channel, online stream
The match kicks off on Saturday at Nu Stadium, at 01:00 BST.
The match can be streamed on Apple TV in the United Kingdom, and fans can also get access through the MLS Season Pass.
The stats for Inter Miami vs Monterrey
- Inter Miami opened their Leagues Cup campaign with a 4-2 victory over Atletico San Luis
- The Herons have scored in 16 consecutive competitive matches
- Miami have scored at least twice in all but one of their Leagues Cup group-stage fixtures
- Lionel Messi is now the all-time leading scorer in Leagues Cup history with 14 goals
- Monterrey have lost two of their last three matches in all competitions
- The Mexican side are winless in their last seven meetings with MLS clubs in normal time
- Monterrey have won both previous meetings with Inter Miami, defeating the Herons home and away in the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-finals
- Monterrey have conceded the opening goal in eight of their last nine Leagues Cup matches
Prediction for Inter Miami vs Monterrey
Inter Miami’s attacking quality has been evident throughout their recent run of form, and with Messi in outstanding touch they will be confident of taking another significant step towards the knockout rounds.
Monterrey have struggled against MLS opposition in recent years and may find it difficult to contain the hosts’ firepower.
Prediction: Inter Miami 3-1 Monterrey
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