Inter Miami take on Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday night as an estimated crowd of 72,000 fans await the return of Five Stripes figures Gerardo Martino and Josef Martinez.
Both teams will be eager to get a result as the Major League Soccer playoffs quickly approach, but it’s an especially dire situation for Inter Miami as they sit in 14th place of the Eastern Conference table just six points shy of a postseason spot.
Though the Herons hold the edge against Atlanta United in the head-to-head record, it may be difficult for Miami to extend the lead without Lionel Messi.
Atlanta United vs Inter Miami H2H record
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The Herons will be without star figure Messi, who didn’t travel with the team due to muscle fatigue. The World Cup champion has been a key figure for Miami since his debut against Cruz Azul on July 21 and finally needed a rest.
Head coach Gerardo Martino confirmed ahead of the match Messi did not suffer an injury, predicting his return for next week.
Diego Gomez will also be absent against Atlanta after picking up a knock during international duty with Paraguay. Otherwise, Inter Miami can expect a strong side against Atlanta United with Leonardo Campana and Facundo Farias up top.
Inter Miami predicted lineup vs Sporting Kansas City (4-3-3): Callendar; Yedlin, Aviles, Miller, Alba; Arroyo, Busquets, Cremaschi; Farias, Campana, Taylor.
Inter Miami may be without Messi, but Farias and Campana still pose a threat in the attack. The game against Sporting Kansas City proved the Herons can win without their key starting figures, but it won’t be as easy this time around.
The game will pose a test for both defenses, as each side struggles with their backline. Neither Brad Guzan nor Drake Callender are expected to keep clean sheets, making it a battle of forwards.
Prediction: Inter Miami 2-2 Atlanta United
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