After suffering their heaviest defeat of the season, exiting the Concacaf Champions Cup with a 3-1 loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps, Javier Mascherano`s Inter Miami side needs to regroup for MLS play. While elimination in arguably Miami`s most significant match to date was an emotional blow, the season is far from over.
With the Club World Cup and Leagues Cup approaching this summer, regaining their MLS momentum and getting Luis Suarez back on the scoresheet are crucial. Following two consecutive losses across all competitions, things could quickly worsen if the Herons fail to overcome the Red Bulls at home.
Here`s a look at the key storylines, how to watch the match, and more:
How to Watch Inter Miami vs. New York Red Bulls
- Date: Saturday, May 3
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Chase Stadium — Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Live stream: MLS Season Pass
Last Meeting
These teams last faced off almost exactly a year ago in a memorable match. The New York Red Bulls held a narrow one-goal lead at halftime thanks to Dante Vanzier. However, Lionel Messi took charge in the second half. With a goal and five assists, Messi guided Miami to an eventual 6-2 victory, a game that also featured a second-half hat-trick from Luis Suarez. This history could provide some optimism for Suarez, who is currently on a nine-game scoring drought.
What the Coaches Are Saying
For Miami, finding players who can contribute to the attack alongside Messi is essential, and Javier Mascherano acknowledges this reliance. In his pre-match press conference, he discussed the team`s dependence on Messi, stating that for Miami to succeed in crucial moments, others must step up. Last season, Leonardo Campana, Robert Taylor, and Suarez provided support, but this season, no one has consistently filled that second or third attacking role.
“In other words, when you have a player like Messi, you`re clearly going to develop a dependency on him. It`s impossible not to depend on him,” Mascherano said. “It`s clear that there are days when the team perhaps helps him more and other days when it helps him less.”
The team will naturally look to Messi, which is understandable. However, since Messi is also a willing passer, more Herons players need to position themselves effectively to utilize his creativity. Despite recent stumbles, Miami remains in a decent position in the league standings, but they need to get back on track quickly given the high expectations surrounding the team.
Predicted Lineups
Inter Miami: Oscar Ustari, Jordi Alba, Noah Allen, Gonzalo Lujan, Marcelo Weigandt, Yannick Bright, Sergio Busquets, Benjamin Cremaschi, Tadeo Allende, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez
New York Red Bulls: Carlos Miguel, Omar Valencia, Noah Eile, Sean Nealis, Kyle Duncan, Peter Stroud, Filipe Carballo, Cameron Harper, Emil Forsberg, Wikelman Carmona, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting
Player to Watch
Luis Suarez, Inter Miami: Last season, Suarez was a top contender for the Golden Boot with 21 goals and nine assists in league play. This season, he has just one goal and five assists in MLS. While his playmaking has been valuable, particularly earlier in the season when Tadeo Allende was scoring regularly, his scoring has also cooled off along with the team`s form. At 38, with a history of chronic knee issues, a nine-match scoring drought raises concerns. A couple of goals could quickly end this slump, but both he and Miami desperately need them sooner rather than later.
Storyline to Watch
Is this a temporary dip or a downward spiral for the Herons?: Following the significant loss to Vancouver Whitecaps, it`s crucial for Miami to demonstrate this is not a developing trend. Their recent MLS loss to FC Dallas could perhaps be excused due to falling between Champions Cup fixtures. However, facing the Red Bulls with no immediate cup ties on the horizon, full focus is required. Miami has dropped to fifth in the Eastern Conference during this run, and even winning their game in hand would only lift them to second, which would still be seen as a disappointment for a team expected to challenge for every trophy.
Prediction
While the Red Bulls boast a solid defense this season, their lack of attacking threat is likely to hinder them here. Miami may have shown defensive vulnerabilities, but those were against teams with significant attacking power, which the Red Bulls generally lack. Even if only Messi finds the net, one goal should be enough to secure a home victory for Miami. Predicted Score: Inter Miami 1, New York Red Bulls 0
