Inter Miami Battles Key Player Exodus as Herons Face Atlanta United Test

Inter Miami faces the challenge of missing multiple crucial players as they host Atlanta United at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale this Saturday evening.

The Herons are pursuing second position in the Eastern Conference standings, with a victory potentially securing home field advantage for at least the opening round of the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. However, a defeat could prove disastrous, potentially dropping them from the top four positions heading into Decision Day.

Following the celebration of retiring legend Sergio Busquets, Herons fans will pay tribute to Jordi Alba after the left-back's unexpected announcement of his retirement at season's conclusion. Despite extending his contract through 2027 earlier this year, the 36-year-old will conclude his career following Miami's postseason campaign.

Missing players including Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, Telasco Segovia, Ian Fray and additional squad members, here's the potential formation for head coach Javier Mascherano's team.

Inter Miami Predicted Lineup vs. Atlanta United (4-4-2)

GK: Oscar Ustari—Following his absence in Miami's previous 4–1 victory against New England, the 39-year-old goalkeeper is expected to return to his position between the posts.

RB: Marcelo Weigandt—The Argentine defender's status as first-choice right-back has appeared to decline recently, though he'll seek to make an impact while Ian Fray represents Jamaica internationally.

CB: Maxi Falcón—Ranking behind only Noah Allen and Jordi Alba in defensive minutes played, Falcón has shown remarkable development during the 2025 season.

CB: Tomás Avilés—The promising center-back has developed a reputation for disciplinary issues, accumulating four red cards and 23 yellow cards across his initial 61 MLS appearances.

LB: Jordi Alba—The former Barcelona and Spain icon confirmed his retirement this week and will receive recognition following the match.

RM: Baltasar Rodríguez—The emerging midfielder has established himself in Miami's starting rotation recently and may assume a more prominent role during the playoffs.

CM: Sergio Busquets—In the closing weeks of his illustrious career, Busquets aims to conclude the regular season and playoffs on a positive note.

CM: Yannick Bright—Among Miami's most successful MLS SuperDraft selections, Bright has accumulated 1,280 minutes of playing time this season.

LM: Tadeo Allende—Miami's most adaptable player, Allende has recorded the third-highest attacking minutes this season, behind only Messi and Luis Suárez.

ST: Luis Suárez—The Uruguayan striker has netted nine MLS goals this campaign. Will he reach double figures before the season concludes?

ST: Fafa Picault—The Haiti international and MLS veteran hasn't completed a full 90-minute match since August.