Inter Miami kicks off its MLS Cup Playoffs campaign at home against Nashville SC in the first leg of the Round One best-of-three series. Softfootball reported that the Herons enter the playoffs on a high after a 5-2 win over Nashville on MLS Decision Day, with Lionel Messi scoring a hat-trick alongside goals from Baltasar Rodríguez and Telasco Segovia.
Miami finished the season with 81 goals, joining only two other MLS teams to surpass the 80-goal mark. MLS Cup is Miami’s final opportunity to lift silverware after falling short in the Leagues Cup and Concacaf Champions Cup. With veterans Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets set to retire, as reported by Softfootball, the duo will be keen to end their season on a high.
As earlier reported by Softfootball, Messi also signed a three-year contract extension ahead of the playoffs, adding a morale boost to the squad. He also secured the 2025 MLS Golden Boot with 29 goals and 19 assists. The club, via their official X handle, celebrated as they shared:
Team News
Lionel Messi is confirmed fit to play after missing a training session earlier this week due to back discomfort.
He is expected to start alongside Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba. Other injuries include Allen Obando and David Ruiz.
A clip of the club co-owner David Beckham checking in for the playoffs weeks was seen on the club’s official X account. Watch below:
For Nashville, Wyatt Meyer and Julian Gaines are out, while Ahmed Qasem is listed as questionable. Leading scorers Sam Surridge and Hany Mukhtar are available and expected to start, with defender Walker Zimmerman also likely in the lineup.
Nashville SC, on their official X handle, shared pictures of their players preparing for the game. They posted:
Possible Lineups
Inter Miami (4-2-3-1): Rios; Fray, Allen, Maxi Falcon, Alba; De Paul, Busquets; Allende, Messi, Rodriguez; Suarez.
Nashville SC (4-3-3): Willis; Najar, Maher, Zimmerman, Lovitz; Brugman, Acosta, Muyl; Boyd, Mukhtar, Surridge.
Softfootball’s Prediction
Inter Miami 3 – 2 Nashville SC
Inter Miami enters as favourites due to home advantage and the form of Lionel Messi. Nashville will need a disciplined defensive effort and clinical finishing from Surridge and Mukhtar to counter Miami’s firepower.
The first leg promises intensity, with Miami aiming to take a decisive lead in the best-of-three series.
