Messi's Comeback? Inter Miami's Potential Starting XI as They Battle Orlando City for Leagues Cup Final Spot
While many clubs view the Leagues Cup as merely a mid-season competition, Inter Miami approaches it differently as Lionel Messi's team aims to become the inaugural club to capture the trophy for a second time.
Having secured the 2023 Leagues Cup and 2024 Supporters' Shield victories, Miami has claimed silverware in each campaign since Messi joined the organization. This season, they came up short in their quest to reach the Concacaf Champions Cup final and are currently engaged in an intense race for the Supporters' Shield. A challenging path lies ahead toward their ultimate goal, the MLS Cup, which will be decided on December 6th.
This makes the Leagues Cup even more significant. They aim to secure their place in the championship match against either Seattle Sounders or LA Galaxy, along with earning a Champions Cup qualification spot, when they host Orlando City SC at Chase Stadium on Wednesday evening for the semifinal clash.
Here's how manager Javier Mascherano might arrange his squad.
Inter Miami Predicted Lineup vs. Orlando City
GK: Oscar Ustari—The experienced shot-stopper was rested during the D.C. United match but is expected to return between the posts against Orlando City.
RB: Marcelo Weigandt—Among the most reliable elements of Miami's defensive unit, Weigandt has featured in 27 games this campaign across four different tournaments with the Herons.
CB: Gonzalo Luján—A flexible defender, Luján has begun establishing a solid partnership with Maxi Falcón at the core of the Herons' backline.
CB: Maxi Falcón—The Uruguayan centre-back has shown continuous improvement in Miami's central defensive partnership throughout the season.
LB: Jordi Alba—Following his absence from the D.C. United fixture due to injury concerns, Alba participated in full training sessions with Miami at the week's start.
DM: Sergio Busquets—The Leagues Cup offers one of Busquets's remaining chances for silverware as he approaches the final phase of his Inter Miami contract.
DM: Rodrigo De Paul—Following his assist for Baltasar Rodríguez's spectacular goal over the weekend, the 31-year-old Argentine is likely to feature in the defensive midfield role.
RW: Fafa Picault—The Haitian international has demonstrated his worth this campaign, having been part of the Nashville SC squad that lost to Miami in the 2023 Leagues Cup final.
AM: Lionel Messi—Seeking to expand his trophy cabinet, Messi may make his anticipated comeback from injury for the Leagues Cup. However, questions remain about his playing time management.
LW: Telasco Segovia—A reliable attacking threat along the flank, Segovia might be given additional running responsibilities based on Alba's physical condition.
ST: Luis Suárez—The Uruguayan striker netted a brace in Miami's quarterfinal victory over Tigres, and will aim to deliver another standout display against Orlando City.
