Messi and Alba Injuries Shake Up Inter Miami's Lineup Against D.C. United
Inter Miami aims to maintain their position in the race for the MLS Supporters' Shield as they travel to face bottom-placed D.C. United on Saturday evening.
The Herons come into this fixture following their victory over Liga MX side Tigres UANL in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals midweek and a triumph in their most recent MLS outing against LA Galaxy.
Miami currently occupies fifth position in the Eastern Conference, though they'll be without Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba due to injuries as they attempt to close the gap on conference frontrunners FC Cincinnati and Philadelphia Union, along with Nashville SC and Columbus Crew.
With these crucial absences, here's how manager Javier Mascherano might set up the Herons against Christian Benteke's D.C. United.
Inter Miami Predicted Lineup vs. D.C. United (4-2-3-1)
GK: Oscar Ustari—Ustari remains Mascherano's preferred choice in goal.
RB: Marcelo Weigandt—An essential starter for Miami this campaign, Weigandt enjoyed some rest with a substitute role in midweek.
CB: Gonzalo Luján—Among the Herons' most adaptable defenders, Lujan has featured regularly at center-back in recent weeks.
CB: Maxi Falcón—Contributing eight defensive actions, Falcón played a crucial role in Miami's victory over Tigres.
LB: Benjamin Cremaschi—Despite his conflicts and disagreements with the coach, Cremaschi has managed to operate effectively as a wide defender.
DM: Sergio Busquets—The sole veteran to avoid injury struggles this season, Busquets leads Miami's outfield players in minutes played for 2025.
DM: Yannick Bright—The former University of New Hampshire player has emerged as an important component of Miami's midfield rotation.
RW: Tadeo Allende—Having netted seven times in 21 outings, Allende faces pressure to deliver at a superior level for the remainder of the campaign.
AM: Rodrigo De Paul—De Paul will need to elevate his performance as the Herons navigate life without Messi.
LW: Telasco Segovia—The Venezuelan has cemented his role as an essential component of Miami's offensive unit.
ST: Luis Suárez—After scoring twice from the penalty spot against Tigres, Suárez has rediscovered his scoring touch leading Miami's attack.
