Inter Miami are still holding onto hopes of competing for the Supporters’ Shield and adding the third title in the club’s history. To do that, however, they’ll need an almost perfect finish to the regular season in Major League Soccer. The first of four remaining challenges comes this Tuesday against Chicago Fire, and all attention is focused on Lionel Messi.
The Herons were riding a three-game winning streak that brought them closer to the Eastern Conference leaders, Philadelphia Union. But that gap grew to 7 points after Saturday’s draw against Toronto FC, as it coincided with Philadelphia’s 6–0 win over DC United.
Still, they believe they can stay in the race, especially considering they have two more games to play than their main rivals. That’s because Inter Miami postponed several matches earlier this year due to their participation in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 and later the Leagues Cup. That’s led to a tight schedule in recent weeks — but also an opportunity to make up key ground in the final stretch of the season.
On the other side are Chicago Fire, for whom Tuesday’s game carries massive significance as well. With 48 points, they currently hold the final play-in spot in the East and sit 5 points ahead of their closest chasers, New York Red Bulls. With just two matches remaining after tonight, a win at Chase Stadium would guarantee them at least ninth place.
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano.
Confirmed lineup for Inter Miami
While Javier Mascherano avoided giving details about the potential starting XI during Monday’s press conference, he made it clear that the Herons will fight to the end for the 2025 Supporters’ Shield. That means putting the best team on the field for every match, as long as the math keeps their hopes alive.
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The confirmed Inter Miami XI: Oscar Ustari; Marcelo Weigandt, Tomas Aviles, Gonzalo Lujan, Jordi Alba; Rodrigo De Paul, Sergio Busquets, Yannick Bright, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez.
Confirmed lineup for Chicago Fire
Motivated by the chance to secure a crucial win that would lock in a play-in spot — and possibly open the door for a direct playoff berth — head coach Gregg Berhalter will field his strongest lineup.
The confirmed Chicago Fire XI: Christopher Brady; Jonathan Dean, Jack Elliott, Joel Waterman, Andrew Gutman; Maren Haile-Selassie, Andre Franco, Dje D Avilla, Rominigue Kouame; Jonathan Bamba, Hugo Cuypers.
