Inter Miami aims to extend its winning streak when it visits the New England Revolution on Wednesday night in Foxborough, Massachusetts, in a key Eastern Conference showdown. The team is looking to solidify its standing while capitalizing on a schedule where it has played fewer matches than most rivals.
Messi’s Impact Fuels Inter Miami’s Recent Success
Lionel Messi has been instrumental in Miami’s recent triumphs, delivering an outstanding performance last Saturday against CF Montreal by scoring twice and assisting another goal in a commanding 4-1 victory. Miami’s record now stands at 9-3-5 with 32 points, positioning them well among conference contenders. This momentum offers an opportunity to narrow the points gap with other leading teams.
New England Seeks to Break Winless Streak Despite Fresh Challenges
The Revolution are determined to end a four-game winless stretch, currently sitting at 6-7-6 with 24 points, and are chasing their first victory since late May. After a recent 2-1 loss to Portland, New England faces pressure to perform at home, as it remains four points behind Chicago Fire for the final Eastern Conference play-in berth. The lineup includes Luca Langoni, who scored New England’s only goal last weekend with a timely assist from Carles Gil.
Uncertain availability of key players could influence the matchup
Inter Miami may need to manage Lionel Messi’s playing time carefully due to the demanding schedule and the team’s desire to keep key players fresh. Although Messi’s participation is not fully confirmed, coach Javier Mascherano expressed confidence in Messi’s ability to make decisions about his own fitness. Miami might also be without defender Noah Allen, sidelined with a hamstring injury for this match.
In Leo’s case, if Leo is fine and doesn’t have any problems, obviously my idea is always to let him play, because we know that if there’s anyone who knows how to manage himself on the pitch and knows his body, it’s him,
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said on Tuesday.
Revolution’s Home Struggles and Tactical Focus Ahead of Miami Visit
New England has experienced difficulty securing wins at home recently, despite displaying encouraging performances. The team opened matches against Miami last season by scoring first but ultimately suffered heavy losses both at home and in South Florida. Coach Caleb Porter acknowledges the need for steady improvement rather than wholesale changes as they approach a packed schedule of five games in 15 days.
We just have to play the game,
Porter noted.
We approach with the understanding of needing to perform and need to analyze the opponent and how they’re going to try to hurt us.
The results haven’t been there at home the last few games, but there’s been a lot of positive play. We continue to fine-tune instead of changing everything.
Implications for Eastern Conference Standings and Upcoming Matches
This match carries significant weight for both clubs as Inter Miami seeks to build on a strong run and potentially close the gap on its competitors with fewer games played. Meanwhile, New England aims to end its drought and climb closer to a play-in spot. How Messi and key New England players perform could shape the direction of both teams in the coming weeks within a competitive and congested Eastern Conference schedule.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Lionel Messi a billionaire?
A. By 2024, Lionel Messi’s net worth is expected to be between $650 million and $800 million. This makes him one of the wealthiest and highest-earning athletes globally. His wide range of investments helps him build his substantial fortune.