Inter Miami Braces for Battle Against Red-Hot Nashville SC in Crucial MLS Showdown

Inter Miami CF return to their home ground at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale for the first time since May, hosting Nashville SC in what promises to be one of the summer's most exciting MLS encounters.

Following their return from the FIFA Club World Cup, Miami have displayed exceptional form, securing victories against CF Montréal and the New England Revolution in recent matches, with Lionel Messi delivering remarkable performances, finding the net multiple times across his previous four appearances.

Their opponents, Nashville SC, arrive with MLS Golden Boot frontrunner Sam Surridge and 2023 MLS MVP Hany Mukhtar leading their charge. The Tennessee-based team has also maintained impressive momentum with four consecutive MLS victories and could claim the Eastern Conference summit with another win.

Below is how manager Javier Mascherano might set up Inter Miami for Saturday's clash.

Inter Miami CF Predicted Lineup vs. Nashville SC (4-4-2)

GK: Oscar Ustari—The veteran goalkeeper continues to impress for Miami, producing five crucial saves in the match against the Revolution.

RB: Marcelo Weigandt—The 25-year-old Argentine demonstrated excellent distribution against New England, successfully completing 37 out of 40 pass attempts.

CB: Maxi Falcón—Falcón has addressed his earlier defensive concerns and has shown solid performances since the Club World Cup return.

CB: David Martinez—The Paraguayan center-back was substituted for Tomas Aviles in the midweek fixture but may reclaim his starting position for the home match.

LB: Jordi Alba—Though Alba has occasionally featured in midfield this campaign, his most effective displays under Mascherano have come at left-back.

RM: Tadeo Allende—Allende has proven to be a valuable acquisition for Miami, creating seamless connections in transition play to assist Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez in attack.

CM: Federico Redondo—Despite competing with Yannick Bright for playing time this season, Redondo has assumed significant responsibilities alongside Sergio Busquets following Bright's Club World Cup injury.

CM: Sergio Busquets—While speculation surrounds Busquets' future, with Rodrigo De Paul reportedly linked to Inter Miami, he continues to serve as a crucial component of the Herons' midfield setup.

LM: Baltasar Rodriguez—The 22-year-old has received limited chances since his arrival at Inter Miami this season, though he showed promising moments in the midweek encounter with New England.

ST: Luis Suárez—While the Uruguayan may not possess his former peak abilities, he continues to provide valuable support to Messi in the attacking partnership.

ST: Lionel Messi—Having scored at least twice in each of his last four MLS appearances, Messi has accumulated 14 goals this season, sitting just two behind Nashville's Golden Boot leader Sam Surridge.