Inter Miami Cf Mia vs Philadelphia Union Phi Picks and Predictions September 14th 2024

Lionel Messi’s Potential Return for Inter Miami vs. Philadelphia Union: Key Updates You Need to Know

There’s a lot of excitement building around Lionel Messi potentially making his comeback for Inter Miami CF in their match against the Philadelphia Union this Saturday. However, the big question remains: how will head coach Tata Martino decide to use him?

Messi’s Injury and Road to Recovery

Messi has been out of action since June 1st, missing some important games after suffering an ankle ligament injury during Argentina’s Copa America final win on July 14. He’s been recovering ever since, and after several weeks on the sidelines, Messi rejoined full training right before Miami’s 4-1 victory over Chicago on August 31. But despite returning to practice, he still wasn’t cleared for matches, even skipping his international duties with Argentina for the September World Cup qualifiers to focus on recovery.

Fast forward to today, and the picture is a lot brighter. Martino confirmed that Messi is now fit and available for the Saturday game, though they haven’t finalized his role yet.

“Yeah, he’s doing great now. He was back in training yesterday, and we’re considering him for Saturday’s game. We’ll make the final decision after today’s practice, but he’s definitely available,” Martino said.

Inter Miami’s Hot Streak Without Messi

Even with Messi out of the lineup, Inter Miami has been on fire. They’ve won eight of their last nine matches, showing they can handle business without their superstar. This incredible run has kept Miami at the top of the MLS standings with 59 points, firmly leading the race for the Supporters’ Shield. They’ve got a seven-point cushion over the Los Angeles Galaxy and an eight-point lead over Cincinnati in the Eastern Conference, keeping them well ahead in the league.

One of the biggest reasons for this success is the stunning performance of Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan forward has been on an absolute tear, scoring 16 goals this season—just two behind the league’s top scorer. His contributions have been crucial in keeping Miami’s attack sharp and unstoppable, even without Messi’s magic on the field.

Philadelphia Union’s Fight for the Playoffs

Meanwhile, on the other side of the pitch, the Philadelphia Union are battling for their playoff lives. They’re currently 11th in the Eastern Conference, sitting on 30 points and desperately trying to stay in the postseason hunt. A recent 2-0 win over the New York Red Bulls has given them a bit of a boost heading into this crucial matchup with Miami.

Israeli striker Tai Baribo has been a bright spot for Philadelphia. He’s scored seven goals in league play and 12 goals in his last 11 competitive matches, really stepping up for the team. His rise in form helped Philadelphia finish fourth in the Leagues Cup and has been a major factor in their push up the standings. However, Baribo recently picked up a minor hamstring injury while playing for Israel during international duty.

Despite that, Union head coach Jim Curtin is feeling positive about Baribo’s condition.

“He’s trained well the last couple of days, which honestly surprised us. He says he feels good and ready to contribute,” Curtin shared, giving hope that Baribo will be in the lineup for Saturday’s game.

Philadelphia’s Injury Concerns

While Baribo’s return is great news for the Union, they’re still dealing with issues, particularly around their star goalkeeper, Andre Blake. The three-time MLS Goalkeeper of the Year has been struggling with a persistent groin injury, limiting him to just eight league appearances this season. He aggravated the injury while playing for Jamaica during the September international break, and his status for Saturday is still up in the air, with Curtin listing him as “day-to-day.”

Blake’s absence could be a huge blow for Philadelphia. Without him, their defense might have a hard time standing up against Miami’s strong attack, especially with players like Suarez and potentially Messi on the field.

Key Insights Ahead of the Match

• Inter Miami’s Momentum: Miami’s success hasn’t been reliant on just Messi. They’ve proven themselves to be one of the league’s most dominant teams, with Suarez leading the way. Their consistent performance throughout the season has positioned them as strong favorites not only in this match but in the entire Supporters’ Shield race.
• Philadelphia’s Challenges: In contrast, Philadelphia is scrapping to stay in playoff contention, dealing with injuries to key players like Blake. While Baribo’s return might give them a fighting chance, the defense could be shaky if Blake isn’t able to play. Containing Miami’s potent offense could be a tall order, especially with Messi potentially back in action.

Wrapping It Up

This Saturday’s clash between Inter Miami and the Philadelphia Union is shaping up to be an exciting one. Messi’s return to the squad would certainly add an extra spark to Miami’s already impressive run, but even without him, the team has shown they’re more than capable of getting results. With Suarez in top form and Messi now available, Miami is set to continue their dominant streak.

For Philadelphia, this game could be make-or-break for their playoff hopes. Tai Baribo’s presence will be vital, but if Andre Blake can’t play, their defense might struggle to hold back Miami’s attack. Regardless of the outcome, this matchup is going to be one you won’t want to miss.