NYCFC vs Inter Miami LIVE Updates: Gonzalo Lujan opens the score early in the game (0-1)

Moments after keeping out a Silvetti effort, Freese was called into action again, this time producing a fine save to deny Messi's curled shot and keep the deficit at one.

From a Messi corner, Telasco Segovia latched onto the rebound on the edge of the box, and when the ball broke loose again, defender Gonzalo Luján was on hand to apply the finish and give Inter Miami an early lead.

Referee Armando Villarreal blows his whistle, and the game between NYCFC and Inter Miami for the 2026 MLS is underway!

After a prolific 2025 campaign under Javier Mascherano, Inter Miami's attack has fallen off a cliff in 2026, a slump that played a significant role in their Champions Cup elimination against Nashville.

The contrast with last season is stark. The Herons scored 129 goals in 58 games in 2025, averaging 2.2 goals per game. In 2026, they have managed just seven goals in six games across all competitions, a drop of 1.1 goals per game that represents a troubling trend for the defending MLS champions.

Armando Villarreal will take charge of Sunday's MLS clash. The 39-year-old has overseen 21 NYCFC matches, posting a record of nine wins, two draws and 10 defeats, while in 12 Inter Miami games his record stands at five wins, two draws and five defeats.

Sunday's game will mark the first time Villarreal has refereed a meeting between the Boys in Blue and the Herons.

Match officiating team:

Referee: Armando Villarreal
First assistant: Jeremy Hanson
Second assistant: Tyler Wyrostek
Fourth official: Marcos DeOliveira
VAR: Lukasz Szpala
AVAR: Craig Lowry

In a starting lineup packed with quality, Rodrigo De Paul's absence stands out as the most significant. The Argentine midfielder picked up a knock during the Nashville game and sat out training on Saturday, leading the coaching staff to give him the day off as a precaution.

Maxi Falcón and Sergio Reguilon are also unavailable, both sidelined through injury.

German Berterame, acquired from Rayados de Monterrey for $15 million and expected to be a reliable source of goals for Inter Miami, has struggled to make an impact so far, and coach Javier Mascherano has taken notice.

The Argentine forward has been dropped to the bench for the second time this season, the first being the rotated lineup against Charlotte FC. With this latest decision, Mascherano is sending a clear message to the Mexico international that answers are needed sooner rather than later.

The Herons' head coach Javier Mascherano makes some changes from Nashville SC game to face NYCFC (4-3-3): Dayne St. Clair; Ian Fray, Gonzalo Lujan, Micael, Noah Allen; Yannick Bright, David Ayala, Telasco Segovia; Tadeo Allende, Lionel Messi, Mateo Silvetti.

Head coach Pascal Jansen has confirmed the starting lineup against the Herons (4-2-3-1): Matt Freese; Tayvon Gray, Thiago Martins, Kai Trewin, Kevin O'Toole; Aiden O'Neill, Keaton Parks; Agustin Ojeda, Maxi Moralez, Hannes Wolf; Nicolas Fernandez.

NYCFC and Inter Miami will face off at 1:00pm (ET).

You can watch the MLS live on Apple TV.

Welcome to our live blog for the match between New York City FC  and Inter Miami on Matchday 5 of the 2026 MLS season. Stay tuned for key updates and live minute-by-minute coverage!