Lionel Messi is set to lead Inter Miami’s attack when the Herons host CF Montreal at Nu Stadium on Saturday, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. The Argentine captain aims to help Miami break out of a concerning five-match winless streak.
The club will also be without head coach Guillermo Hoyos, who serves a one-match suspension imposed by MLS for repeated violations of the league’s late kickoff policy. Assistant coaches Rafael Perez and Rodrigo Vargas will manage the team from the sidelines in his absence.
Inter Miami currently sit second in the Eastern Conference with 39 points from 21 matches (11-6-4), maintaining a +9 goal differential. Montreal occupies 14th place with 21 points and a -10 goal difference through the same number of games.
Messi enters the fixture with 14 goals this season, supported by Luis Suarez, who has contributed 10 goals, and German Berterame in the attacking line. Rodrigo De Paul will orchestrate play from the midfield position.
Inter Miami’s confirmed lineup
Miami will be missing Sergio Reguilon and Gonzalo Lujan due to muscle injuries, in addition to the continued absences of Mateo Silvetti, Tadeo Allende, Santi Morales and Micael. With Hoyos unavailable, the interim coaching staff is expected to reorganize the defensive line while maintaining the attacking partnership of Messi, Suarez and Berterame.
Inter Miami’s confirmed starting XI: St. Clair; Fray, Casemiro, Falcon, Allen; Segovia, Bright, De Paul; Suarez, Messi, Berterame.
CF Montreal’s confirmed lineup
Montreal will rely heavily on Prince Owusu, who has emerged as the club’s primary attacking threat with 13 goals this season, supported by Matthew Longstaff and Nathan Streit.
CF Montreal’s confirmed starting XI: Gillier; Petrasso, Vera, Neal, Bugaj; Piette, Synchuk, Longstaff; Herbers, Owusu, Streit.