Inter Miami CF Clash with Nashville SC: Match Preview, Expert Predictions and Expected Starting Lineups
Inter Miami CF makes their return to home soil for the first time since May this weekend, hosting Nashville SC at Chase Stadium in what promises to be one of the weekend's most exciting MLS encounters.
Following their participation in the FIFA Club World Cup, where they advanced to the Round of 16 before being eliminated by eventual runners-up Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami has displayed impressive form with victories over CF Montréal and the New England Revolution.
However, Lionel Messi and his teammates will face one of MLS's hottest teams in Nashville SC this weekend, confronting the formidable attacking partnership of Hany Mukhtar and current MLS Golden Boot frontrunner Sam Surridge.
Miami currently holds fifth position in the Eastern Conference with five points, while Nashville occupies second place with 41 points, trailing conference leaders FC Cincinnati by just a single point.
Here's your complete guide to Saturday's clash.
What Time Does Inter Miami vs. Nashville SC Kick-Off?
Inter Miami vs. Nashville SC Head-to-Head Record (All-Time)
Previous Meeting: Inter Miami 2–2 Nashville SC - June 29, 2024 (MLS)
Current Form (all competitions)
Inter Miami | Nashville SC |
|---|---|
New England Revolution 1–2 Inter Miami - 7/9/25 | Nashville SC 5–2 D.C. United 7/9/25 |
CF Montreal 1–4 Inter Miami - 7/5/25 | Nashville SC 1–0 Philadelphia Union - 7/5/25 |
Paris Saint-Germain 4–0 Inter Miami - 6/29/25 | D.C. United 0–1 Nashville SC - 6/28/25 |
Inter Miami 2–2 Palmeiras - 6/23/25 | New England Revolution 2–3 Nashville SC - 6/25/25 |
Inter Miami 2–1 FC Porto - 6/19/25 | Chicago Fire 0–2 Nashville SC - 6/12/25 |
How to Watch Inter Miami vs. Nashville SC on TV
Country | Channel |
|---|---|
United States and Rest of World | MLS Season Pass on Apple TV |
Inter Miami Team News
Any concerns about Inter Miami's condition following the FIFA Club World Cup have been thoroughly dispelled. Since their tournament return, manager Javier Mascherano's squad has appeared more polished, securing convincing victories against Eastern Conference strugglers CF Montréal and the New England Revolution.
Nevertheless, the most significant highlight from their recent two fixtures has been Lionel Messi's exceptional form, displaying some of his finest football since his arrival at Inter Miami in summer 2023. In the match against New England, he achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first MLS player to net multiple goals across four consecutive games, breaking the previous record of three matches held by both himself and former New York Red Bulls star Thierry Henry.
Across 15 appearances this season, Messi has tallied 14 goals and seven assists, showing no signs of his 38 years. However, playing a third match within a week could present fatigue concerns, particularly after Mascherano revealed his intention to substitute the captain against New England before ultimately keeping him for the complete 90 minutes.
Beyond Messi, Miami has received excellent contributions from Telasco Segovia and Tadeo Allende in recent weeks, while 22-year-old left midfielder Baltasar Rodriguez has begun to flourish alongside Jordi Alba's flank.
Away from the field, Miami has also been connected with a potential move for Messi's Argentina colleague Rodrigo De Paul, which would necessitate a corresponding roster departure. However, this weekend's focus will center on containing Mukhtar and Surridge, two of MLS's premier attacking talents.
Inter Miami Predicted Lineup vs. Nashville SC
Inter Miami Predicted Lineup vs. Nashville SC (4-4-2): Ustari; Weigandt, Falcon, Martinez, Alba; Allende, Redondo, Busquets, Rodriguez; Messi, Suárez
Nashville SC Team News
Currently, no MLS team matches Nashville SC's exceptional performance level. Under the guidance of former U.S. men's national team interim manager B.J. Callaghan, the Coyotes maintain a remarkable 15-game unbeaten streak and have claimed victory in their previous five matches across all competitions.
Although their recent two MLS triumphs came via narrow 1–0 margins against the Philadelphia Union and D.C. United, they have demonstrated far greater dominance than these scorelines suggest. Hany Mukhtar's contribution of nine goals and eight assists, alongside Sam Surridge's impressive 16-goal tally, spearheads their offensive efforts, while Andy Najar has emerged as a significant attacking threat from his fullback role.
Their strength extends beyond just offensive capabilities. Nashville has allowed the second-lowest goal total among teams with at least 21 MLS appearances, conceding merely 23. Additionally, they will benefit from enhanced defensive experience with Walker Zimmerman's return to MLS action, having worn the Blue and Gold for the first time since his Gold Cup duties with the USMNT in Wednesday's U.S. Open Cup victory over D.C. United.
However, Nashville faces some challenges, as they will be without Mexican midfielder Jonathan Perez due to a red card suspension received against Philadelphia.
A victory could elevate Nashville to the summit of the Supporters' Shield table and provide additional confidence against a formidable and in-form Inter Miami side.
Nashville SC Predicted Lineup vs. Inter Miami CF
Nashville SC Predicted Lineup vs. Inter Miami (4-4-2): Willis; Najar, Palacios, Maher, Lovitz; Qasem, Yazbek, Brugman, Muyl; Mukhtar, Surridge
Inter Miami vs. Nashville SC Score Prediction
This matchup features two of MLS's finest teams, both known for their attacking prowess. However, considering Nashville's superior balance and younger squad composition, they likely hold the advantage in securing a positive result, particularly given the extensive minutes played by Messi and his veteran teammates in recent weeks.
Prediction: Inter Miami 2–3 Nashville SC