Inter Miami will have to be at their best to beat the Philadelphia Union. The Union, led by in-form striker Tai Baribo, are the top team in the Eastern Conference. With Messi potentially returning and Allende out, Inter Miami faces a difficult challenge against a strong and well-organized opponent.
As Lionel Messi prepares to return to the field after missing Argentina’s World Cup qualifying matches, Inter Miami has suffered a setback with the confirmed absence of Tadeo Allende for their crucial match against the Philadelphia Union.
Javier Mascherano announced Allende’s unavailability, stating, “He finished the game against Atlanta with discomfort; we believe it has to do with the field. He will not be available for tomorrow.” The announcement came during a press conference before Inter Miami’s practice.
Inter Miami loses a key player in their starting eleven. Allende has been a vital contributor, providing both energy and goals. In his seven official appearances for Inter Miami, Allende has scored four goals, making him the team’s joint top scorer this season alongside stars like Messi and Suárez.
Weigandt’s return nears, other absences
“Chelo is doing well; he is already working with the group. We will see when the right time is to start giving him minutes. After a month, we don’t want to take unnecessary risks,” Mascherano said about the right-back who had to leave his MLS debut match against NYCFC on February 22nd. His return to the field is imminent, and he could be on the bench against the Union.
In addition to Allende’s absence, David Martínez, Ryan Sailor, and David Ruiz did not participate in Friday’s practice, making their participation in the upcoming match unlikely.
Mascherano’s tactical options with or without Messi
Inter Miami could change their formation depending on Messi’s presence in the starting eleven. With Messi, Mascherano would likely opt for a 4-3-3, while without him, he might choose a more conservative 4-4-2, with Telasco Segovia joining Picault and Suárez in the final third.
- Inter Miami with Messi: Oscar Ustari; Gonzalo Luján, Tomás Avilés, Maximiliano Falcón, Jordi Alba; Federico Redondo or Yannick Bright, Sergio Busquets, Telasco Segovia; Fafà Picault, Luis Suárez, and Lionel Messi.
- Inter Miami without Messi: Oscar Ustari; Gonzalo Luján, Tomás Avilés, Maximiliano Falcón, Jordi Alba; Federico Redondo, Yannick Bright, Sergio Busquets, Telasco Segovia; Fafà Picault and Luis Suárez.
Why Philadelphia Union is a dangerous opponent
The Union is the top team in the Eastern Conference, with Inter Miami trailing by two points. They are also the best team in MLS in the race for the Supporters’ Shield, tied with Vancouver Whitecaps but with a better goal difference.
After having Jim Curtin as coach for 10 years (2014-2024), with whom he won the Shield in 2020 and finished as runner-up in the 2022 MLS Cup, South African coach Bradley Carnell took over at the start of this year. Under his leadership, they have had a great start with four wins and one loss in their five official matches.
Carnell’s team features Major League Soccer’s top scorer, Israeli Tai Baribo, who has scored 6 goals in 4 games. Dane Mikael Uhre is also a great complement to Baribo in the final third.
