Inter Miami have an opportunity to secure a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs when they host an already-eliminated D.C. United at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday night. After suffering a 3–0 loss to Charlotte FC, the Herons bounced back with a 3–1 win over Seattle Sounders FC, the same team that defeated them in the heated Leagues Cup Final less than three weeks ago.
Lionel Messi scored two goals in that match, but Miami’s short bench continued to be a problem. They only had 15 players, including two goalkeepers, available for the match, which is below the usual MLS matchday roster of 20 players.
This latest victory enabled Inter Miami to be back on track after several dismal performances and provided them with an opportunity to compete in the MLS Cup Playoffs in consecutive seasons like never before in club history.
The win over D.C. United will guarantee Miami a ticket to the playoffs in case New York Red Bulls lose or even draw with CF Montréal, and a draw against D.C. United will send Miami to the playoffs in case the Red Bulls lose. D.C. United, on the other hand, is in a transitional phase since they parted with sporting director Ally Mackay earlier in the week and are yet to formulate their next course of action.
Match Details: When and Where
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 20
- Kick-Off Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT / 12:30 a.m. BST (Sunday)
- Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Stadium: Chase Stadium
Head-to-Head Record
Inter Miami and D.C. United have faced each other multiple times in MLS, with the following results:
| Team | Wins | Draws | Losses | Last Meeting |
| Inter Miami | 3 | 3 | 5 | D.C. United 1–1 Inter Miami (Aug. 23, 2025) |
| D.C. United | 5 | 3 | 3 | D.C. United 1–1 Inter Miami (Aug. 23, 2025) |
While D.C. United have historically had more wins against Miami, the current form of the two teams is heavily in favor of the Herons.
Current Form
Inter Miami
Inter Miami bounced back after the Charlotte loss to beat Seattle Sounders 3–1 on Sept. 16. Their previous results include:
- Charlotte FC 3–0 Inter Miami – 9/13/25
- Seattle Sounders 3–0 Inter Miami – 8/31/25
- Inter Miami 3–1 Orlando City – 8/27/25
The team has struggled to maintain consistency, but the win against Seattle could mark the start of a strong finish to the season as they chase a playoff spot.
D.C. United
D.C. United are struggling through one of their toughest seasons, with just one win in the last 13 games. Some recent results include:
- D.C. United 1–1 Orlando City – 9/13/25
- New York City FC 1–2 D.C. United – 8/10/25
- D.C. United 1–1 CF Montréal – 8/16/25
The team has the lowest goals scored (27) in the MLS and has conceded the most goals (55) in the Eastern Conference. Christian Benteke, their key attacker, has not been able to repeat his performance of the Golden Boot last season.
How to Watch
Apple TV has provided MLS Season Pass, where fans can watch the proceedings in real time. This is also present in the United States and across the world.
Inter Miami Team News
The Miami is seeking to grow its momentum and get into a playoff. Lionel Messi is still the primary player of the team, and there are reports that he will sign a two-year renewal with the club.
Javier Mascherano, the head coach, will have more choices this week because the center back Tomas Aviles is back after a suspension. Several important players will, however, be missing:
- Luis Suárez (suspension)
- Fafa Picault (injury)
- Baltsar Rodriguez (injury)
- Allen Obando (injury)
- David Ruiz (injury)
- Telasco Segovia (injury)
Miami’s roster is imbalanced, heavily reliant on Messi to produce results. The team faces a busy schedule, playing nine games in 27 days, which will test their stamina and squad depth. Clinching a playoff spot against D.C. could allow Mascherano to rotate players and rest key stars for the final stretch of the season.
Inter Miami Predicted Lineup vs. D.C. United
Formation: 4-1-2-3
| Position | Player |
| Goalkeeper | Ustari |
| Right Back | Weigandt |
| Center Back | Falcon |
| Center Back | Aviles |
| Left Back | Allen |
| Defensive Midfield | De Paul |
| Central Midfield | Busquets |
| Central Midfield | Bright |
| Right Wing | Allende |
| Forward | Messi |
| Left Wing | Alba |
D.C. United Team News
D.C. United are playing for pride as they approach the end of a difficult season. They recently parted ways with sporting director Ally Mackay, and Erkut Sogut has been tipped as the new director to assist in finding a new head coach.
Christian Benteke is also the center of their assault, yet his physique has fallen since the Golden Boot-winning season of last year. The unavailable key players that will not play this match are Lukas MacNaughton (red card), Dominique Badji, Kristian Fletcher, and Randall Leal (injuries).
One of the weakest teams in MLS this season is D.C. United, who have a few bright spots such as young midfielder Jackson Hopkins.
D.C. United Predicted Lineup vs. Inter Miami
Formation: 4-3-3
| Position | Player |
| Goalkeeper | Barraza |
| Right Back | Antley |
| Center Back | Bartlett |
| Center Back | Rowles |
| Left Back | Schnegg |
| Central Midfield | Hopkins |
| Central Midfield | Servania |
| Central Midfield | Peltola |
| Right Wing | Pirani |
| Forward | Benteke |
| Left Wing | Peglow |
Match Prediction
Inter Miami are likely to have the upper hand in this match. Even with an aging core and a short bench, their midweek victory against Seattle Sounders has restored confidence. D.C. United, with just one win in 13 matches and the worst defensive record in the Eastern Conference, will struggle to challenge Miami’s star players.
A win would bring Inter Miami closer to clinching a playoff spot, potentially depending on the Red Bulls’ result against CF Montréal. Messi’s influence will be vital, but Miami could secure the victory without needing a personal masterclass from him.
Conclusion
The D.C. United vs Inter Miami matchup is crucial for Miami as they aim to clinch a playoff spot for the first time in consecutive seasons. While D.C. United play for pride, and Inter Miami are motivated to maintain momentum and end the season strong. Fans can expect an exciting match at Chase Stadium, with Messi once again being the key figure in Miami’s lineup.
This match may be the one that helps Miami cement itself as one of the best competitors in the MLS, as the playoffs are within reach, and D.C. United seeks to end the season with some honor regardless of their hardships.