Inter Miami Clashes with LA Galaxy: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
The current Supporters' Shield holders face off against the reigning MLS Cup winners for their sole encounter this season, as Inter Miami host LA Galaxy at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday evening.
Miami enters as heavy favorites, while the Galaxy find themselves at the bottom of the Western Conference standings with only 16 points from 25 games. Nevertheless, this fixture is crucial for the hosts, who are seeking redemption following a devastating 4–1 defeat to state rivals Orlando City SC last weekend.
Both teams are also navigating a congested fixture list, juggling their Leagues Cup quarterfinal campaigns with the remaining MLS regular season schedule. This comes after both participated in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup competition.
Here's your complete guide to the upcoming clash.
When Does Inter Miami vs. LA Galaxy Start?
Inter Miami vs. LA Galaxy Historical Matchups
Recent Results (all competitions)
Inter Miami | LA Galaxy |
|---|---|
Orlando City SC 4–1 Inter Miami - 8/10/25 | LA Galaxy 0–4 Seattle Sounders - 8/10/25 |
Inter Miami 3–1 Pumas - 8/6/25 | LA Galaxy 4–0 Santos Laguna - 8/7/25 |
Inter Miami 2–2 Necaxa (5–4 Pens) - 8/2/25 | LA Galaxy 1–1 Cruz Azul (7–8 Pens) - 8/3/25 |
Inter Miami 2–1 Atlas - 7/30/25 | LA Galaxy 5–2 Club Tijuana - 7/31/2025 |
Inter Miami 0–0 FC Cincinnati - 7/26/25 | LAFC 3–3 LA Galaxy - 6/19/25 |
Where to Watch Inter Miami vs. LA Galaxy
Country | Channel |
|---|---|
USA and Rest of World | MLS Season Pass on Apple TV |
Inter Miami Squad Updates
Following his absence from Miami's previous two fixtures due to injury concerns, Lionel Messi is anticipated to return to the starting eleven against LA Galaxy, with manager Javier Mascherano confirming the 38-year-old Argentine's availability.
The Messi situation was among several significant developments at the club this week, as they completed the transfer of original goalkeeper Drake Callender to Charlotte FC and sold defensive midfielder Federico Redondo to Spanish side Elche.
Although neither player was essential to Miami's campaign this season, both provided valuable squad depth that will now be tested during the crucial final stretch of the regular season. The club prioritized both players' career advancement, as Callender had lost his starting position and Redondo was unhappy with limited minutes.
From the current squad, Rodrigo De Paul was absent from midweek training to process his U.S. work visa documentation, but is expected to feature prominently in the matchup as the Herons aim to improve their sixth-place position in the Eastern Conference.
Inter Miami Expected Starting XI vs. LA Galaxy
Inter Miami Expected Starting XI vs. LA Galaxy (4-2-3-1): Ustari; Allen, Falcon, Luján, Alba; Busquets, De Paul; Allende, Messi, Segovia; Suárez
LA Galaxy Squad Updates
This campaign has been disappointing for LA Galaxy, as they have languished at the foot of the Western Conference table throughout the season. The Leagues Cup provided some respite with victories over Tijuana and Santos Laguna, securing their place among the top four MLS sides and earning quarterfinal qualification.
Beyond the Leagues Cup, their difficulties have persisted. Their most recent outing resulted in a crushing 4–0 home defeat to Seattle Sounders FC, and the challenge intensifies following extensive travel to reach Miami.
This week, star playmaker Riqui Puig hinted at his possible comeback from the ACL injury that has sidelined him since the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs Western Conference Final, though his return remains delayed. The attacking trio of Marco Reus, Edwin Cerrillo, and Diego Fagúndez will spearhead Galaxy's pursuit of maximum points.
LA Galaxy Expected Starting XI vs. Inter Miami
LA Galaxy Expected Starting XI vs. Inter Miami (4-3-3): Mićović; Aude, Zanka, Yoshida, Cuevas; Fagúndez, Cerrillo, Reus; Pec, Nascimento, Paintsil
Inter Miami vs. LA Galaxy Match Forecast
Lionel Messi will be refreshed and prepared for action upon his injury comeback, and should be capable of driving Inter Miami to a commanding victory over LA. The Galaxy might pose some resistance though, having risen to the occasion against quality opposition lately, including an entertaining 3–3 stalemate with LAFC in the most recent El Tráfico derby.
Match Forecast: Inter Miami 3–1 LA Galaxy