Inter Miami CF will take the field this weekend against FC Cincinnati in an important Eastern Conference matchup without star player Lionel Messi and left-back Jordi Alba, both suspended for missing the MLS All-Star Game. With the team having played one of the busiest schedules in Major League <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/soccer/mls/”>Soccer this season, head coach Javier Mascherano is set to rotate his squad significantly to manage player availability and maintain performance.
Miami’s challenge is intensified by the need to contain FC Cincinnati’s attack, led by MVP frontrunner Evander, making this game a vital test for the club’s depth and resilience under pressure.
Details of Inter Miami’s Expected Starting Lineup
Coach Mascherano is likely to field a 4-4-2 formation without his usual first-choice players, revealing a lineup that blends experienced substitutes with promising talent stepping into new roles. In goal, Rocco Ríos Novo will start as the third-choice keeper, covering for Oscar Ustari and Drake Callender who are both recovering from injury. This choice highlights the depth in Miami’s goalkeeping department.
On the defensive line, Noah Allen is expected to start at left-back despite recently returning from injury, filling in for the suspended Jordi Alba. The central defense will see Gonzalo Luján take a more prominent role due to Maxi Falcón’s suspension from accumulated yellow cards, alongside Tomás Avilés who is returning to bolster the backline despite some earlier mistakes this season. Marcelo Weigandt remains the only regular defender in this back four, tasked with maintaining stability throughout the match.
Midfield options include Telasco Segovia on the left, a consistent offensive threat with seven goals and three assists this season. Sergio Busquets, who attended the MLS All-Star Game unlike Messi and Alba, will hold his place in central midfield, offering experience and composure. Federico Redondo, while a regular performer with 18 appearances, is expected to see his place challenged soon by Rodrigo De Paul. On the right, Tadeo Allende faces the responsibility of contributing to the attack and supporting the forwards.
Up front, the strike partnership features Luis Suárez and Fafa Picault. Suárez has struggled to find his best scoring form this season, with only five goals, yet he has shown chemistry playing alongside Messi previously. Picault has impressed coming off the bench, netting four goals in just 429 minutes, and will likely need to step up as a more regular contributor in this game.
What This Lineup Means for Inter Miami’s Prospects
The absence of Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba puts Inter Miami in a challenging position against a strong FC Cincinnati side. However, Mascherano’s decision to trust emerging players and key substitutes shows a commitment to depth and tactical flexibility during a demanding season. How well the replacements, such as Noah Allen and Gonzalo Luján, perform will be critical in determining whether Miami can maintain their standing near the top of the Eastern Conference.
This fixture represents not only a test of skill but also of squad management as Miami navigates a heavy match schedule with limited options. The lineup’s mix of youth and experience could reveal new strengths for Inter Miami heading into the final stretch of the season.