Inter Miami Faces Crucial Test: Which Star Will Step Up in Messi's Absence Against FC Cincinnati?

Inter Miami CF return to action this weekend as they face FC Cincinnati in a crucial Eastern Conference showdown. The team will field a significantly altered lineup, with Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba serving suspensions for missing the MLS All-Star Game.

Despite Miami having played the second-highest number of matches among MLS teams this season, trailing only Vancouver Whitecaps FC, manager Javier Mascherano has typically relied on a consistent group of approximately 15 players.

The coach now faces the challenge of maximizing his squad's potential, particularly as they prepare to contain MLS MVP candidate Evander and FC Cincinnati's dangerous offensive unit.

Here's the potential formation for Mascherano's squad.

Inter Miami Predicted Lineup vs. FC Cincinnati (4-4-2)

GK: Rocco Ríos Novo—Miami's third-choice keeper will retain his starting role while Oscar Ustari and Drake Callender remain sidelined with injuries.

LB: Noah Allen—Despite recently returning from injury, Allen may be thrust directly into the starting eleven due to Alba's unavailability.

CB: Gonzalo Luján—With Maxi Falcón suspended following yellow card accumulation, Luján will serve as the primary central defender.

CB: Tomás Avilés—Regardless of some defensive struggles this campaign, Avilés might return to the starting formation to help neutralize Cincinnati's impressive attacking force.

RB: Marcelo Weigandt—As the sole regular defender in the back four, Weigandt must maintain his composure throughout the contest.

LM: Telasco Segovia—Having contributed seven goals and three assists across 21 appearances, Segovia has emerged as one of Miami's most reliable attacking outlets in counter-attacks.

CM: Sergio Busquets—In contrast to Messi and Alba this season, Busquets participated in the 2024 MLS All-Star Game when selected to compete against Liga MX.

CM: Federico Redondo—Redondo has performed admirably in 18 appearances for Inter Miami, though he appears poised to lose his starting position to incoming Rodrigo De Paul.

RM: Tadeo Allende—The 26-year-old must elevate his offensive contribution to provide adequate support for Luis Suárez in attack.

ST: Luis Suárez—Though managing only five goals this campaign, Suárez has formed an effective partnership with Messi. Without the Argentine star, however, he faces a considerably different test.

ST: Fafa Picault—Recording four goals in 429 minutes of play, Fafa Picault has emerged as one of Miami's most impactful bench players this season.