Inter Miami vs San Diego – News and Probable Lineups

In a historic matchup for both teams in the MLS, Inter Miami is set to host San Diego at Nu Stadium this coming Sunday in Florida.

As they prepare for this match, the reigning champions currently hold the second position in the Eastern Conference standings, having secured a 2-2 draw against Nashville SC in their previous game. Meanwhile, San Diego finds themselves ninth in the Western Conference after suffering a heavy 5-0 defeat at the hands of the Philadelphia Union last time out.

Match overview

Another trophy can be added to Lionel Messi’s collection, as the Inter Miami captain led his side to victory in the Campeones Cup against Cruz Azul, winning 2-0 on Wednesday.

This marked the 48th trophy of Messi’s remarkable football career, and on Sunday, he aims to help his team maintain their home unbeaten streak in the regular season, extending it to four matches.

Domestically, Inter Miami has faced challenges recently, dropping points in seven of their last eight MLS fixtures, although they have only suffered two losses during this period.

This rough patch has left them clinging to second in the East, with just three points separating them from the fourth position in the conference.

Under the guidance of Kily Gonzalez, the team boasts an impressive average of 2.4 goals per match, the highest in the league, yet they also concede an average of 1.8 goals per match in the regular season.

Miami remains unbeaten at home this season against teams from the Western Conference, having defeated the Portland Timbers 2-0 back in May.

At present, San Diego is struggling to hold onto the last playoff position in the West, with only a slight margin for error.

This weekend, Mikey Varas’s team aims to put an end to a three-match losing streak in the league, as they narrowly lead the Los Angeles Galaxy for ninth place in the West based on goal difference.

With just nine matches left in the season, they have already allowed 42 goals, one more than they conceded in their first MLS season.

Last year’s expansion team has only managed to win two away matches this season, despite recording a league-best 12 away victories in 2025.

Disciplinary issues have been a significant factor in their decline this season, as they lead the league with eight red cards.

San Diego has yet to win a regular-season away match in Florida, having lost 1-0 to Orlando City earlier this month.

Team News

Inter Miami is expected to be without Mateo Silvetti on Sunday due to a shoulder strain, while Santiago Morales is dealing with a quadriceps issue, Micael has a sprained ankle, and Tadeo Allende is recovering from a knee injury.

Lionel Messi reached his 100th goal for Inter Miami on Wednesday, scoring the decisive goal in their Campeones Cup win, with Casemiro adding another, and the Argentine has found the back of the net in his last two competitive matches.

For San Diego, Gabriel Pirani, Alex Mighten, and Marcus Ingvartsen are doubtful for this weekend owing to lower body injuries.

Oscar Verhoeven will be sidelined due to a suspension from yellow cards, while goalkeeper CJ dos Santos can return from his ban.

Inter Miami probable starting XI:

St. Clair; Fray, Casemiro, Falcon, Reguilon; De Paul, Bright, Segovia; Suarez, Messi, Berterame

San Diego probable starting XI:

Two Saints; Kumado, Duah, Murphy, Sergeant; Alvarado, Tverskov, Vazquez; Dreyer, Pellegrino, Achori

Far too often this season, San Diego has been caught out in vulnerable positions, consistently appearing unstable at the back, which could lead to significant issues when facing Inter Miami.