It lasted nine games, but Messi’s record at Inter Miami of either scoring or assisting in every game played was finally stopped by Nashville SC in their previous MLS game.
The 0-0 draw was the first time Miami have failed to score in their nine games previously.
If Messi’s career is any indication, he will come back with a vengeance against Los Angeles FC in what is sure to be a marquee spectacle on September 4 at 3 AM BST.
Here’s the match preview, buildup, team news, and more as MLS’ “Posh derby” will have a hungry Messi and Miami seeking to right the wrongs of the last game!
Inter Miami vs LAFC preview
Just like Inter Miami, Los Angeles FC is a similarly new club. It started playing in 2018 but their ascent has been rapid.
This year, they are in 2nd place in the Western Conference standings with 40 points from 25 games.
Like Miami again, they’ll come into this game having dropped points in their previous one. While Miami played out a scoreless draw against Nashville, LAFC were beaten 1-2 by Charlotte. It was a huge upset since Charlotte are 11th in the Eastern Conference table.
LAFC will want to present a much better performance in front of their home fans against Inter Miami.
On the other hand, Inter Miami, who have become somewhat of an away day savant, will want to get their ascent up the MLS standings back on track with a victory at LAFC’s BMO Stadium.
Inter Miami vs LAFC predicted lineup
Inter Miami team news
Coach Tata Martino brought out his big guns against Nashville but they couldn’t fire. After some experiments with a formation with three centre-backs, 4-3-3 was back on the menu, with the attacking trio of Robert Taylor-Josef Martinez-Lionel Messi unleashed.
Defender Sergiy Kryvtsov was absent against Nashville but he should come back for this game, with Aviles making way. Ian Fray is a long-term absentee.
The rest of the team pretty much picks itself despite the hiccup against Nashville. The players are far too talented and should put in a more clinical performance here.
Predicted Inter Miami XI: Callender, Yedlin, Miller, Kryvtsov, Alba, Arroyo, Busquets, Cremaschi, Messi, Martinez, Taylor
LAFC team news
Los Angeles FC have been masters of squad building since their inception. The squad has the right blend of upcoming wonderkids, ably helped in their development by seasoned European veterans.
European football fans will be familiar with Giorgio Chiellini, who is enjoying his leadership role at LAFC.
Carlos Vela is also relishing his time in Los Angeles and at this point in his career, is an MLS legend in his own right. They have highly-rated prospects like Stipe Buik in their ranks while Eldin Jakupovic is an able backup keeper to McCarthy.
Predicted LAFC XI: McCarthy, Palencia, Long, Chiellini, Hollingshead, Tillman, Ilie, Bogusz, Vela, Gonzalez, Bouanga
Inter Miami vs LAFC prediction
BMO Stadium will be rocking since Inter Miami are now the must-watch team of the MLS. This will incentivise LAFC players to put their best foot forward with the eyes of the world on them.
Both teams are coming into this game wounded. The wind was taken out of Miami’s sails by Nashville, while Charlotte upset LAFC. Therefore, they will want to correct their wrongs.
However, looking at LAFC’s squad and their home advantage, this might finally be the game that breaks Inter Miami’s unbeaten streak.
Of course, if Messi decides to get the win, there aren’t many in world football that can stop that from happening.
But looking, on paper, and the fatigue accumulation, particularly in Miami’s tired legs, this is a banana skin fixture for Messi and Co.
FootTheBall predicts Inter Miami 1-2 LAFC.