CF Montreal Clash with Inter Miami: Match Preview, Bold Predictions and Expected Starting Lineups
Inter Miami CF makes their comeback to Major League Soccer this weekend as they face CF Montréal, following their recent encounter with Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16.
Although their journey to the global competition's elimination rounds, featuring a victory against FC Porto, created history, head coach Javier Mascherano's squad must now refocus on domestic league competition—the Herons have contested up to four matches less than several other MLS clubs.
They are expected to field their strongest available lineup as they enter what looks to be an action-packed summer period—July's MLS commitments will be paired with a reduced-format Leagues Cup tournament.
Here's Sports Illustrated's match preview.
What Time Does CF Montreal vs. Inter Miami Kick-Off?
CF Montreal vs. Inter Miami Head-to-Head Record (All-Time)
Current Form (all competitions)
CF Montreal | Inter Miami |
|---|---|
CF Montréal 1–0 NYCFC - 6/28/25 | Paris Saint-Germain 4–0 Inter Miami - 6/29/25 |
CF Montréal 1–3 FC Cincinnati - 6/25/25 | Inter Miami 2–2 Palmeiras – 6/23/25 |
Houston Dynamo 1–3 CF Montréal - 6/12/25 | Inter Miami 2–1 FC Porto – 6/19/25 |
CF Montréal 0–3 New England Revolution - 5/31/25 | Al Ahly 0–0 Inter Miami – 6/14/25 |
Inter Miami 4–2 CF Montréal | Inter Miami 5–1 Columbus Crew – 5/31/25 |
How to Watch CF Montreal vs. Inter Miami on TV
Country | Channel |
|---|---|
United States and Rest of World | MLS Season Pass on Apple TV |
CF Montreal Team News
The opening portion of the campaign didn't unfold as expected for CF Montréal, and the remaining half could prove even more difficult. Despite interim manager Marco Donadel guiding the team to several respectable displays, they continue to occupy the bottom position in the Eastern Conference with three victories from 20 matches and only 14 points.
Although they can now rely on Designated Player forward Giacomo Vrioni, who was unavailable at the season's start, they must complete 2025 without a crucial midfield component, following the transfer of Canadian international Nathan Saliba to Belgian First Division side Anderlecht.
Beyond Saliba, Montreal lacks significant match-winning talent. Nevertheless, they will experience some enhancements, with Canadian international center-back Joel Waterman rejoining the squad after the Concacaf Gold Cup.
A notable player for the French-Canadian team is Victor Loturi, the former international who found the net last weekend versus New York City FC and also scored against Miami in their previous encounter.
Regarding injuries, Vrioni is anticipated to recover from an elbow problem, while others who were absent from last week's fixture, including Caden Clark, Fabian Herbers and Jalen Neal, remain doubtful.
CF Montreal Predicted Lineup vs. Inter Miami
CF Montreal Predicted Lineup vs. Inter Miami (4-4-2): Sirois; Bugaj, Campbell, Waterman, Petrasso; Sealy, Loturi, Piette, Pearce; Owusu, Vrioni.
Inter Miami Team News
Following their historic achievement as the first MLS team to defeat a UEFA opponent in competitive action with their triumph over FC Porto, Inter Miami shifts focus back to league competition, where they aim to climb the Supporters' Shield table and secure the best possible position for the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Presently, the Herons occupy seventh place in the Eastern Conference with 29 points. However, based on points-per-game, they advance to fifth position, which represents a more accurate assessment given their 16 matches are four or five fewer than other conference teams.
While discussions continue regarding Lionel Messi's contract situation, he is expected to travel and feature in Sunday's starting eleven, alongside fellow former FC Barcelona legends Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suárez.
Additionally, expect the Herons to utilize Tadeo Allende, Federico Redondo and Telasco Segovia to complete their midfield and attacking options, particularly considering the ongoing rehabilitation of Yannick Bright and David Martinez.
Additional injury concerns include reserve goalkeeper Drake Callender and Gonzalo Lujan, plus potentially versatile defender Noah Allen, who required substitution in the 17th minute of the Round of 16 clash against PSG.
Despite personnel considerations, this marks the beginning of a crucial month for Miami, and they commence it seeking to build upon their latest MLS performance, a 5–1 victory over Columbus Crew SC.
Inter Miami Predicted Lineup vs. CF Montreal
Inter Miami Predicted Lineup vs. CF Montréal (4-4-2): Ustari; Weigandt, Falcon, Martinez, Alba; Allende, Redondo, Busquets, Cremaschi; Messi, Suárez.
CF Montreal vs. Inter Miami Score Prediction
CF Montréal offered strong resistance against Inter Miami in May, but this encounter will prove significantly more challenging, given the elevated standard Miami achieved during their FIFA Club World Cup campaign, which they hope to transfer into MLS competition similar to how Seattle Sounders accomplished with their 2–0 victory over Austin FC last weekend.
Miami should secure a comfortable victory and potentially score multiple goals in the process.