- Inter Miami CF have won their last three games, including a 5-3 triumph over FC Cincinnati last time out and a 2-0 home success against Portland Timbers.
- Philadelphia Union have won none of their last five MLS games (D2, L3) and have failed to win their last three MLS away matches (L3).
Messi’s Miami to mastermind a victory over MLS strugglers
Inter Miami CF should return to winning ways on Sunday when they face a struggling Philadelphia Union that have just six points from 12 MLS 2026 matches, propping up the table in 29th spot.
In contrast, Miami are in the top half in fifth spot after accruing 22 points from their first 12 matches. Angel Guillermo Hoyos has done a fine job since his appointment as head coach in April 2026, overseeing a run of three consecutive wins in MLS following last month’s 5-3 win over FC Cincinnati and 2-0 home success against the Portland Timbers.
Hoyos’ side has failed to win any of their four MLS 2026 home games (three draws, one loss), but they have scored 2.00 and conceded 2.25 goals per-game on their own turf. Star striker Lionel Messi has been in fine form for Miami, netting nine goals in 11 MLS 2026 matches and providing three assists in his last five MLS appearances, making him the obvious talisman for the home side this weekend.
Philly’s pressing plan could pay dividends, but may not be enough
Bradley Carnell’s Philadelphia Union are a collective team that have utilised his signature high-pressing, transition style since his January 2025 appointment.
The problem for the club this term is that they have had little to no penetration and are desperately short of a clinical striker.
Danley Jean Jacques is the leading scorer on the club’s MLS 2026 roster with two goals in 11 appearances.
That should worry Miami’s defence, but Philly’s high-pressing approach is more likely to unsettle their opponents’ rhythm and they will surely try to exploit the space that Miami leave behind their front players.
Miami are a star-laden team that plays patient, possession-based football, but they combine in rapid-fire sequence to overload and create space for their attacking talents.
Philly will press them hard and there should be some fireworks, but the superiority of Messi and Miami’s overall form and firepower makes them our favourite to triumph in a home win and BTTS selection.
The 43/100 odds for a home victory may seem short, but we’re confident that Inter Miami CF will have enough to secure the victory in what should be an exciting, end-to-end match. The Over 2.5 goals odds are even shorter at 8/25 and the BTTS option is the play here at 51/100.
