Inter Miami will aim to recover quickly as they host the New York Red Bulls on Saturday night in Harrison, N.J. Following a harsh 3-0 defeat at Cincinnati on Wednesday, Inter Miami’s recent momentum was halted, ending their five-game winning streak and six-game unbeaten run.
Lionel Messi Inter Miami Red Bulls will be in focus as Messi is expected to return after his streak of scoring multiple goals in five consecutive MLS matches came to an end. This match marks Miami’s ninth in just 36 days, a demanding schedule that tests the squad’s resilience.
Injury Concerns Impact Miami’s Lineup
Inter Miami announced on Friday that starting goalkeeper Oscar Ustari will miss the game against the Red Bulls. Ustari suffered an injury to his left side after leaving the Cincinnati match in the 25th minute, with Rocco Rios Novo taking his place and conceding two second-half goals. The length of Ustari’s absence remains uncertain, but head coach Javier Mascherano indicated it could last several days.
I wouldn’t be able to say how long he’ll be out. The doctors can probably say better as the next few days play themselves out,
Mascherano said.
Hopefully, it’s not a long absence.
New York Red Bulls Coming Off a Powerful Comeback
The Red Bulls enter this match energized by a 5-3 victory over the New England Revolution on Wednesday. Trailing 2-0 at halftime, New York rallied with five goals scored between the 56th and 88th minutes, overturning the deficit with dominant offensive play. Defender Daniel Edelman scored the first goal of the comeback and highlighted the team’s determination to keep pushing forward.
I mean, five goals in the second half is crazy, something that doesn’t happen for us often,
Edelman said.
It was good to see that we wanted more. We wanted to get that third, fourth, fifth.
Midfielders Emil Forsberg and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting also contributed with two goals each, playing pivotal roles in the Red Bulls’ resurgence.
Teams’ Current Challenges and Lineup Updates
The Red Bulls, who were defeated 4-1 by Inter Miami earlier this season in South Florida, are now enjoying a seven-game unbeaten home streak dating back to mid-April. However, they face injury setbacks with Cameron Harper (knee), Lewis Morgan (thigh), and Serge Ngoma (thigh) unlikely to feature. Similarly, Miami is expected to miss Ian Fray (adductor), Baltasar Rodriguez (hamstring), and goalkeeper Drake Callender (hernia) for this crucial meeting.
As a result, both squads are managing key absences while looking to solidify their positions in the Eastern Conference standings, where the Red Bulls currently hold eighth place and Inter Miami ranks higher with 38 points.
Implications for the Eastern Conference and Upcoming Matches
This Saturday’s game has significant implications as Inter Miami seeks to regain momentum after their unexpected defeat, while New York aims to extend its home unbeaten run and climb the standings. For Lionel Messi and the Miami team, this match is a critical opportunity to demonstrate resilience and maintain their playoff ambitions.
With injuries affecting both sides and busy schedules approaching, coaching decisions on player fitness and strategy will play a decisive role in the outcome. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the teams adapt as the MLS season intensifies.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Lionel Messi religious?
A. He grew up as a Roman Catholic, following what his family believed. He has two tattoos that express his faith: a picture of Jesus with a crown of thorns on his upper right shoulder and a rosary on his forearm.
Q. Is Lionel Messi’s religion?
A. Her passing, just before he turned eleven, had a significant impact on him. As a dedicated Catholic, he honors her by pointing to the sky whenever he scores, acknowledging his grandmother.