Inter Miami Clashes with Nashville SC: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed

Inter Miami seeks to prevent another first-round elimination for the consecutive year as they host Nashville SC at Chase Stadium for the decisive Game 3 of their best-of-three opening round series this Saturday evening.

Following their commanding 3–1 triumph in the opener featuring a stellar display from icon Lionel Messi, the Herons stumbled in the second encounter, permitting Nashville to equalize the series at their home venue GEODIS Park with a 2–1 result, establishing a decisive final game back in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

While Nashville aims to prolong a campaign that witnessed them capture the 2025 U.S. Open Cup title, Miami seeks to prevent catastrophe, having fallen in the opening round's third game last year to Atlanta United. Additionally, a Miami defeat would force Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets into retirement.

Here is Sports Illustrated's comprehensive guide to Game 3.

What Time Does Inter Miami vs. Nashville SC Kick-Off?

Inter Miami vs. Nashville SC Head-to-Head Record

Most recent encounter: Nashville SC 2–1 Inter Miami (Nov 1, 2025) - MLS Cup playoffs Game 2

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Inter Miami Team News

Inter Miami confronts one of their most crucial fixtures on Saturday evening, seeking to prevent the catastrophe of exiting in the opening round for consecutive seasons after falling to ninth-seeded Atlanta United in 2024.

Manager Javier Mascherano's squad will be prepared for battle in this encounter, having been physically dominated by Nashville across 180 minutes of play thus far. Simultaneously, they must accomplish this without forward Luis Suárez, who received a suspension following an incident in Game 2.

Though Suárez hasn't been a prolific goalscorer this campaign, he has created space for Messi to operate with greater freedom in attack and represents one of the few genuine strikers on a squad lacking depth across most positions.

"We understand it will be an intense match, where there will be warfare," defender Maxi Falcon informed reporters before the fixture. "We'll attempt to execute our approach, but also strive to compete and win every battle because matches are determined there as well."

Beyond Suárez's absence, Miami should field a nearly complete roster, and will certainly receive inspired performances from Alba and Busquets, whose careers would conclude at the final whistle should Miami fail to secure victory.

Inter Miami Predicted Lineup

Inter Miami Predicted Lineup vs. Nashville SC (4-4-2): Rios Novo; Fray, Falcon, Allen, Alba; Allende, De Paul, Busquets, Segovia; Messi, Rodriguez

Nashville SC Team News

Nashville SC appeared as MLS Cup challengers during the season's midpoint, and they would regain that status should they secure victory in Game 3 after outperforming the Herons in virtually every game aspect last Saturday.

Spearheaded by top scorers Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge, Nashville finally broke their winless streak against Miami in Game 2, achieving their first victory over the South Florida club since Messi's arrival. Previously, they had managed only two draws and seven defeats in nine encounters.

Manager B.J. Callaghan's team secured the 2025 U.S. Open Cup earlier this year and will seek to extend their memorable season with a triumph. Should they succeed, expect Mukhtar and Surridge to feature prominently, alongside goalkeeper Joe Willis.

Regarding injuries, Nashville will miss defender Daniel Lovitz, plus Jonathan Perez and Julian Gains. Meanwhile, winger Jacob Shaffelburg continues his recovery from a sports hernia injury, despite appearing as a substitute in the previous match.

Nashville SC Predicted Lineup

Nashville SC Predicted Lineup vs. Inter Miami (3-4-3): Willis; Palacios, Zimmerman, Bauer; Najar, Yazbek, Tagset, Corcoran; Muyl, Surridge, Mukhtar

Inter Miami vs. Nashville SC Score Prediction

Inter Miami's Barcelona quartet era could be determined by Saturday's outcome, making it among the most significant matches in the franchise's brief history. Meanwhile, an additionally motivated Messi, Busquets and Alba should manage Suárez's absence effectively.

Score Prediction: Inter Miami 3–1 Nashville SC