Inter Miami will face San Diego for the first time in MLS history on Sunday at Nu Stadium in Florida. The reigning league champions currently sit second in the Eastern Conference following a 2-2 draw against Nashville SC. In contrast, San Diego is ninth in the Western Conference after suffering a heavy 5-0 loss to the Philadelphia Union in their last match.

Read More

Lionel Messi recently added another trophy to his collection as Inter Miami secured the Campeones Cup by defeating Cruz Azul 2-0. This victory marked the 48th trophy in Messi’s illustrious career. As Miami aims to extend their unbeaten home streak to four matches in the regular season, they have struggled domestically, dropping points in seven of their last eight MLS games while only losing twice. Currently, they are just three points ahead of fourth place in the Eastern Conference.

Miami boasts the highest scoring average in the league at 2.4 goals per match but also concedes an average of 1.8 goals per match. They remain undefeated at home against Western Conference teams this season, having previously beaten the Portland Timbers 2-0 in May.

Conversely, San Diego holds the final playoff spot in the West, with little room for error as they look to break a three-match losing streak. They are just above the Los Angeles Galaxy on goal difference. This season, San Diego has allowed 42 goals, which is one more than during their inaugural season. They have won only two away games in 2026 compared to a league-high 12 last year. Discipline issues have plagued them, leading the league with eight red cards. Historically, they have not won a regular-season away game in Florida.

In team news, Inter Miami may be without Mateo Silvetti due to a shoulder strain, while Santiago Morales, Micael, and Tadeo Allende are also sidelined with injuries. After scoring his 100th goal for Miami in the Campeones Cup, Messi aims to continue his scoring form.

San Diego may be without Gabriel Pirani, Alex Mighten, and Marcus Ingvartsen due to lower body injuries, while Oscar Verhoeven serves a suspension. Goalkeeper CJ dos Santos is eligible to return.

For the lineup, Inter Miami could feature St. Clair, Fray, Casemiro, Falcon, Reguilon, De Paul, Bright, Segovia, Suarez, Messi, and Berterame. San Diego is likely to field Dos Santos, Kumado, Duah, Murphy, Sargeant, Alvarado, Tverskov, Vazquez, Dreyer, Pellegrino, and Achouri.

Predictions suggest a potential 3-0 victory for Inter Miami, noting San Diego's defensive vulnerabilities.