Minnesota United FC vs. Inter Miami: Projected lineups as Lionel Messi’s side looks to climb MLS table
Inter Miami visit Minnesota United FC at Allianz Field for Week 12 of the 2025 MLS season, looking to bounce back from their recent elimination in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. In what promises to be a tightly contested matchup, Lionel Messi and his team aim to climb higher in the league standings.
The Herons responded well last weekend with a dominant 4–1 victory over the New York Red Bulls, ending a three-game losing streak that included their Champions Cup exit—one of their key objectives this season. With 21 points through 10 games, Inter Miami currently sit fifth in the overall MLS table, trailing first-place Vancouver Whitecaps by five points.
Minnesota United enter the match in solid form, coming off a 3–0 win over Austin FC in league play and a 1–0 victory over Louisville City in the U.S. Open Cup. Sitting seventh overall with 19 points, the Loons are focused on building home dominance, having lost only once at Allianz Field this season.
This matchup pits contrasting styles against each other: Inter Miami thrive on possession (52.9%), while Minnesota United average the league’s lowest possession rate at just 36.9%. Against the third-stingiest defense in the league—Minnesota have conceded only 10 goals—Messi and company will be tested as they aim to break into the top positions.
Suarez’s absence a major blow for Inter Miami
One of the biggest storylines ahead of this match is the absence of Luis Suárez. When asked about the striker’s status on Friday, head coach Javier Mascherano was clear: “Luis had to travel due to personal reasons. The rest, except for David Ruiz and Drake Callender, are available to train.”
Suárez, who finally ended a nine-game goal drought last weekend, is a crucial part of Inter Miami’s attack. His absence could force Mascherano to shift Messi into a more advanced role. “Leo has played in that position when Luis came out,” Mascherano said of the possible lineup change.
Projected lineups for Minnesota United and Inter Miami
Minnesota United FC’s projected lineup (4-3-3): Brad Stuver; Jon Gallagher, Oleksandr Svatok, Brendan Hines-Ike, Guilherme Biro; Owen Wolff, Ilie Sanchez, Besard Sabovic; Osman Bukari, Brandon Vázquez, Myrto Uzuni.
Head coach: Nicolas Estevez.
Inter Miami’s projected lineup (4-2-3-1): Oscar Ustari; Marcelo Weigandt, Gonzalo Lujan, Noah Allen, Jordi Alba; Sergio Busquets, Federico Redondo; Tadeo Allende, Telasco Segovia, Fafa Picault; Lionel Messi.
Head coach: Javier Mascherano.