New beginning for Messi and Inter Miami after Concacaf Champions Cup disappointment: possible XI against NYFC

MLS action returns for Inter Miami this weekend, and the team arrives with a bruised ego. After being eliminated midweek by Nashville in what had been their top priority for the semester, Javier Mascherano’s squad is now forced to reset its goals and refocus on league play.

On Sunday, the Herons face a tough road test against New York City FC — the current leader of the Eastern Conference. For Inter Miami, this matchup feels like the perfect opportunity to channel the frustration of their Concacaf Champions Cup exit into a statement performance.

Despite the disappointment, Miami’s MLS form has been solid. Their only blemishes so far are a loss to LAFC and a scoreless draw with Charlotte.

But this showdown with NYCFC marks a fresh start for Messi and company, who now have a clear path ahead with no continental competition on the schedule.

Inter Miami missing a key midfielder

Mascherano will be without one of his most important midfield pieces: Rodrigo De Paul. The Argentine star took a knock to his left leg, and the coaching staff has decided not to risk him.

Even so, Miami still has plenty of firepower. Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Germán Berterame, Mateo Silvetti, Tadeo Allende, and Telasco Segovia are all available — a group capable of beating anyone in MLS. A win would pull Inter Miami level on points with NYCFC.

How NYCFC arrives

NYCFC enters the match unbeaten and sitting atop the Eastern Conference after three wins and a draw in their first four games. Under Pascal Jansen — who led the club to the Conference Final last season — the team has found a sharp, efficient rhythm.

Agustín Ojeda, Nicolás Fernández, Hannes Wolf, Maxi Moralez, Thiago Martins, and goalkeeper Matt Freese form the backbone of a squad that looks poised for another strong campaign.

Projected NYCFC lineup vs. Inter Miami

Pascal Jansen could roll out a lineup similar to the one used against the Colorado Rapids:

Matt Freese; Tayvon Gray, Thiago Martins, Kai Trewin, Kevin O’Toole; Aiden O’Neil, Maxi Moralez, Keaton Parks; Agustín Ojeda, Nicolás Fernández, Hannes Wolf.

Projected Inter Miami lineup vs. NYCFC

With De Paul, Falcón, and Reguilón unavailable, Mascherano may opt for:

Dayne St. Clair; Facundo Mura, Gonzalo Luján, Micael, Ian Fray; Yannick Bright, David Ayala; Tadeo Allende, Lionel Messi, Mateo Silvetti; Germán Berterame.

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Standings

Standings	Pts.	P	W	D	L
1 NYC	10	4	3	1	0
2 NAS	10	4	3	1	0
3 IMI	7	4	2	1	1
4 NYR	7	4	2	1	1
5 WDC	6	4	2	0	2

Standings	Pts.	P	W	D	L
1 NYC	10	4	3	1	0
2 NAS	10	4	3	1	0
3 IMI	7	4	2	1	1
4 NYR	7	4	2	1	1
5 WDC	6	4	2	0	2

Leaders

New York City Football Club, NYC

Inter Miami CF, IMI

Total goals scored

Nicolás Fernández

4

Messi

3

Total goalkeeper saves

Matt Freese

10

Dayne St. Clair

7

Shot assist

Maxi Moralez

8

Messi

6

Fouls committed

Aiden O'Neill

11

Germán Berterame

8

Fouls received

Nicolás Fernández

10

De Paul

8

Player receives a yellow card for an infringement

Aiden O'Neill

2

Telasco Segovia

3

Recoveries of possession

Tayvon Gray

27

De Paul

25

Passes per game

Thiago Martina

77.5

De Paul

99.0