D.C. United vs. Inter Miami: Confirmed lineups for MLS clash without Lionel Messi

Inter Miami travel to Washington, D.C., to face D.C. United on Saturday in Matchday 29 of the 2025 MLS season. With star forward Lionel Messi sidelined due to injury, the Herons will be aiming for a win against one of the league’s lowest-ranked teams to climb the standings.

Heading into the game, Inter Miami have bounced back after a 4-1 defeat to Orlando City, recording a 3-1 win against LA Galaxy and securing their place in the Leagues Cup semifinals with a 2-1 victory over Tigres UANL. However, coach Javier Mascherano confirmed that Messi will not travel with the squad, delivering a significant blow to the team.

Meanwhile, D.C. United have struggled all season, sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with just 20 points from 27 games. They’ll be looking to break a 10-game winless streak in MLS play, with their last victory coming on May 31 against FC Cincinnati.

Inter Miami facing another key absence

Messi has yet to fully recover from the muscle injury he suffered in early August against Necaxa, which is why coach Javier Mascherano opted to rest the Argentine star for the trip to D.C. United. However, the Herons will also be dealing with another major setback on Saturday night.

Inter Miami will be without left back Jordi Alba, who sustained a knee injury against Tigres. On Friday, Mascherano confirmed Alba will miss the match, meaning both he and Messi will be sidelined this weekend, expecting to count with both stars for the Leagues Cup semifinal against Orlando on Wednesday.

Confirmed lineups for D.C. United and Inter Miami

D.C. United’s confirmed lineups (4-3-3): Luis Barraza; Connor Antley, Lucas Bartlett, Kye Rowles, David Schnegg; Gabriel Pirani, Matti Peltola, Brandon Servania; Aaron Herrera, Jackson Hopkins, Hosei Kijima.
Head coach: Rene Weiler.

Inter Miami’s confirmed lineups (4-2-3-1): Rocco Rios Novo; Marcelo Weigandt, Ryan Sailor, Gonzalo Lujan, Noah Allen; David Ruiz, Tomas Aviles; Benjamin Cremaschi, Telasco Segovia, Fafa Picault; Tadeo Allende.
Head coach: Javier Mascherano.