MIAMI - Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF, mired in a stretch that has produced just one win in their last 10 league matches since the start of August, host D.C. United at Nu Stadium in Miami on Saturday in Matchday 29 of the MLS regular season.
The Herons enter the match sitting third in the Eastern Conference with 46 points on a 12-5-10 record, but the recent slide has cost them a spot in the Supporters’ Shield race. Their last outing ended in a 2-1 loss to Columbus Crew, despite Messi scoring a free-kick goal, with Jamal Thiaré’s stoppage-time winner deciding the match.
Messi, who is playing his first game since retiring from the Argentina national team, leads the league with 21 goals and 13 assists and is on track to win his third consecutive MLS MVP award. Manager Cristian “Kily” González, appointed during the five-game winless streak that preceded the current slump, has yet to produce the turnaround Inter Miami is seeking.
D.C. United arrive in Miami in similarly poor form, having won just once in their last nine games since the start of August. The Black-and-Red sit 11th in the Eastern Conference with 30 points on a 6-8-12 record, though they remain just three points back of the Wild Card spots with a game in hand on both New York-based holders. Designated Player striker Tai Baribo leads D.C. with 14 goals this season, while fellow Designated Player Louis Munteanu, who joined on a club-record transfer reportedly worth up to $10 million, has contributed 6 goals and 4 assists in his first MLS season. Japanese defender Keisuke Kurokawa has produced a joint-best five assists from left back, and goalkeeper Sean Johnson ranks in the top 10 in saves per 90 and clean sheets this season.
Betting market data as of Thursday, Oct. 8 showed Inter Miami earning over 71% of the market share compared to 14% for D.C. United. Saturday’s match at Nu Stadium kicks off as part of MLS’s Walmart Saturday Showdown broadcast window.