After their first defeat of the season against Los Angeles FC in the Concacaf Champions Cup, Inter Miami, led by coach Javier Mascherano, has an opportunity to recover this Sunday as they host Toronto FC. The Herons will need to carefully manage player rotation due to their Champions Cup commitments while also aiming to secure a victory in this game. However, given their demonstrated squad depth throughout the season, achieving both goals seems feasible.
Tadeo Allende might be unavailable for this match due to a recovering injury. Nevertheless, with Fafa Picault and Robert Taylor providing attacking options from the wings, Mascherano has ample choices in attack. Miami`s loss to LAFC also ended Lionel Messi`s streak of scoring or assisting in every game he has played this season. Yet, considering their ability to win games even without Messi`s direct contributions, this setback appears to be a minor issue rather than a significant trend. Only a victory against Toronto will definitively confirm this assessment.
Here’s a look at the key storylines and match details:
Match Details
- Date: Sunday, April 6
- Location: Chase Stadium — Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Live stream: MLS Season Pass
- Odds: Inter Miami -230; Draw +360; Toronto FC +600
Previous Encounter
Nearly a year has passed since Miami and Toronto last faced each other, with Miami securing a tight 1-0 victory in Toronto in May 2024. Both teams have changed considerably since then, including having new head coaches this season. Leonardo Campana, Miami`s goal scorer in that previous match, now plays for the New England Revolution. Miami will need to find a new source for late-game heroics if needed in this upcoming contest.
Coach Perspectives
Following the loss to LAFC, questions arose regarding Messi`s positioning, as he adopted a deeper role to receive the ball. This game marked the first significant challenge Miami has faced under the Argentine coach. Their response to this setback will be indicative of their overall season management.
“I`m not worried,” Mascherano stated. “He is an exceptional player who understands the game uniquely. He is among the few players globally who consistently adapts to the game`s demands. If he positions himself deeper, it`s because he is identifying the optimal space to receive the ball and influence the game.”
Given Miami`s strong season performance to date, there is no reason to anticipate that the LAFC defeat will trigger further losses. However, this situation highlights the high expectations placed on Mascherano. With a team that previously set an MLS single-season points record, any defeat raises concerns about meeting those lofty expectations. This pressure is what he faces despite Miami`s generally strong form.
Lineup Considerations
The extent of squad rotation is a key question. Miami`s upcoming Concacaf Champions Cup match on Wednesday is clearly their priority. However, they must balance resting players with maintaining match sharpness. Athletes thrive on rhythm, so even with complete rest, players might experience some rustiness heading into the Champions Cup game. As Mascherano gains more familiarity with his squad, he will refine his approach to rotation. In certain areas, particularly defense, maintaining consistency is crucial for player coordination and anticipation.
Projected Starting Lineups
Inter Miami: Oscar Ustari, Jordi Alba, Noah Allen, Maximiliano Falcon, Ian Fray, Sergio Busquets, Federico Redondo, Telasco Segovia, Robert Taylor, Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi
Toronto FC: Sean Johnson, Raoul Petretta, Nicksoen Gomis, Sigurd Rosted, Tyrese Spicer, Alonso Coello, Jonathan Osorio, Derrick Etienne, Lorenzo Insigne, Federico Bernardeschi, Ola Brynhildsen
Player Spotlight
Lorenzo Insigne, Toronto FC: Expected to have a similar impact to Messi in Major League Soccer, Insigne almost left the club during the offseason. Under new management and with improved attacking support, he has the potential to revitalize Toronto, a team formerly among MLS`s elite. To achieve this, he needs to perform in high-stakes matches like this one against Inter Miami. As one of the league`s highest-paid players, expectations are significant, and Insigne needs to consistently meet them.
Match Story
Can Miami Rebound? This game is not a must-win for the Herons, but they will want to avoid consecutive losses before their return to Champions Cup play. The home game against LAFC will be crucial, making it important to regain winning form against an MLS team still finding its footing. A win, even without Messi carrying the team, would be ideal. Ultimately, Mascherano will be looking for a positive response from his team.
Match Prediction
With their improved defense this season, Miami is expected to handle Toronto at home. The game is likely to be lower-scoring than anticipated due to Toronto`s improved defense, though their attack is not yet capable of seriously challenging Miami. Robin Fraser`s Toronto team is progressing, but facing a top Eastern Conference team is a difficult challenge, especially for a team that was at the bottom of the conference last season. Prediction: Inter Miami 1, Toronto FC 0
Benedict Kingsley