Following their most significant defeat of the season – a 3-1 exit from the Concacaf Champions Cup at the hands of the Vancouver Whitecaps – Javier Mascherano’s Inter Miami squad needs to regain focus for their return to MLS action. Recovering from an emotionally charged elimination in what was arguably the club`s biggest match to date is challenging, but the season is far from over.
With participation in the Club World Cup this summer and the Leagues Cup ahead, rediscovering their MLS form and getting striker Luis Suarez back on the scoresheet are crucial. Having already suffered two consecutive losses across all competitions, the situation could quickly worsen for the Herons if they fail to overcome the Red Bulls at home.
Here’s a look at match details, key storylines, and more:
Match Information: Inter Miami vs. New York Red Bulls
- Date & Time: Saturday, May 3, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Live Stream: MLS Season Pass
Previous Encounter
These teams last met almost exactly a year ago in a memorable match. The New York Red Bulls held a narrow one-goal lead at halftime, scored by Dante Vanzeir. However, Lionel Messi took control in the second half, contributing a goal and an astonishing five assists to guide Miami to a decisive 6-2 victory. That match also featured a second-half hat-trick from Luis Suarez. This history could be a source of motivation, particularly for Suarez, who is currently enduring a nine-game scoreless streak.
Coach`s Perspective
Coach Javier Mascherano has acknowledged the need for other players to step up in attack alongside Messi. He recognizes the natural dependency on a player of Messi`s caliber, stating that it`s “impossible not to depend on him.” However, he emphasized that for Miami to perform in crucial moments, other attackers need to contribute more consistently. While players like Leonardo Campana, Robert Taylor, and Suarez provided this support last season, the team is still looking for others to consistently fill those roles this season.
Mascherano added, “It`s clear that there are days when the team perhaps helps him more and other days when it helps him less.” While the team will always look to Messi, more Miami players need to make effective runs into good positions to capitalize on Messi`s passing ability. Despite recent stumbles, Miami remains in a reasonable position in the league standings, but they need to regain momentum soon to meet the high expectations surrounding the team.
Projected Starting Lineups
Inter Miami: Oscar Ustari, Jordi Alba, Noah Allen, Gonzalo Lujan, Marcelo Weigandt, Yannick Bright, Sergio Busquets, Benjamin Cremaschi, Tadeo Allende, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez
New York Red Bulls: Carlos Miguel, Omar Valencia, Noah Eile, Sean Nealis, Kyle Duncan, Peter Stroud, Filipe Carballo, Cameron Harper, Emil Forsberg, Wikelman Carmona, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting
Key Player Spotlight
Luis Suarez, Inter Miami: After a remarkable season last year where he was a Golden Boot contender with 21 goals and nine assists, Suarez`s league tally this season stands at just one goal and five assists. While his creative contributions remain valuable, especially earlier in the season when Tadeo Allende was scoring regularly, his scoring form has dipped, mirroring the team`s recent performance. At 38 years old with a history of chronic knee issues, a nine-match scoreless run inevitably raises questions. Both he and Miami need this drought to end soon, ideally with a breakthrough performance.
Match Narrative
Is this a temporary dip or a concerning trend for the Herons? Following the significant loss to Vancouver, it`s vital for Miami to demonstrate that their recent struggles are just a blip, not the start of a rut. Their previous MLS loss to FC Dallas could be somewhat explained as occurring between their crucial Champions Cup fixtures, but the match against the Red Bulls demands full attention without future distractions on the immediate horizon. This recent dip in form has seen Miami fall to fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings. Even winning their game in hand would only lift them to second place, which might still be considered disappointing for a squad expected to challenge for top honors in all competitions.
Prediction
While the Red Bulls boast a strong defensive record this season, their limited attacking output is likely to be their undoing in this match. Inter Miami has faced defensive difficulties, but primarily against teams with significant offensive firepower that the Red Bulls do not possess. Even if Lionel Messi is the sole goalscorer, a single goal at home should be enough for Inter Miami to secure the victory.
Predicted Score: Inter Miami 1, New York Red Bulls 0
Adrian Whitmore