Inter Miami Cf vs Philadelphia Union Picks and Predictions March 29th 2025

Lionel Messi Likely to Return for Inter Miami vs. Union

Saturday night brings a heavyweight clash in the Eastern Conference as Inter Miami hosts the Philadelphia Union, and all signs point to the return of Lionel Messi—just in time to spice up this early-season battle for supremacy.

Messi, who missed Argentina’s international matches and Miami’s last outing due to an adductor injury, has rejoined full training with the Herons (3-0-1, 10 points). Head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed the anticipation around the legend’s comeback.

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“Leo is good,” Mascherano said. “If nothing weird happens, he will be named to the matchday roster.”

The 37-year-old had last featured in Miami’s 2-1 win at Atlanta United on March 16, where he opened the scoring with a signature moment of brilliance—stealing the ball and calmly chipping it over a sliding Brad Guzan. That kind of magic is exactly what makes Messi such a game-changer.

“That was a goal that only he could have scored, the best player in the history of the sport,” Mascherano said. “There is nothing else to say. He is a player who has the ability to produce the most beautiful goals one can ever see.”

Despite Messi’s absence in three matches this season, Miami has proven they can still get results, winning all of those games. With him back, though, they become a different beast entirely.

Union Ready to Challenge, Messi or Not

Philadelphia (4-1-0, 12 points) sits atop the Eastern Conference standings, two points ahead of Miami. Head coach Bradley Carnell knows the challenge his team faces—Messi or not—and isn’t putting too much weight on any one player.

“You can look at data, you can look at games, but when they’re in the game, they’re serial winners,” Carnell said. “They have a mentality in their group that they can step up to any game model, whatever you present to them.”

The Union boast one of the most potent attacks in MLS, led by Israeli forward Tai Baribo, who enters Week 6 with a league-high six goals. His scoring tally alone tops that of eight entire teams so far this season. Although he didn’t find the net in the 3-1 loss to Nashville SC and missed last week’s match due to international duty, Baribo’s return gives Philly another key piece.

Defender Ian Glavinovich stepped up in Baribo’s absence, scoring the lone goal in a 1-0 win over St. Louis. Fittingly, Glavinovich once played for Newell’s Old Boys, the same Argentine club that developed a young Messi.

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Eastern Clash With Playoff Atmosphere

Both teams are off to hot starts and carry high expectations into this season. Inter Miami has been building around a winning culture, and the Union continue to push the pace with relentless attacking play. Whether you’re drawn to Messi’s flair or Baribo’s red-hot form, Saturday’s clash has the makings of an MLS classic.

This is also the kind of match that deserves attention from those following MLS predictions. With stars on both sides and early-season momentum at stake, it’s the perfect opportunity to dig into expert soccer picks and gain an edge before kickoff.

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