New York City FC will look to continue their run of success against host Inter Miami on Saturday.
Miami assistant coach Javier Morales confirmed that Lionel Messi will miss the match due to a hamstring injury. The club is hopeful Messi will return for Miami’s Champions Cup game against Monterrey on Wednesday.
New York has picked up points in the previous three regular-season meetings between the two sides (2-0-1) and has eight victories in the past 10 matches against Miami (8-1-1).
However, New York (1-4-0, 3 points) has struggled out of the gate in MLS play this season, picking up just three points through its first five matches.
New York’s lone win, a 2-1 decision, came against Toronto FC on March 16. New York has yet to win an away match this season (0-3-0).
“I think the challenge for us is becoming a team that can execute results and also get results on the road,” New York coach Nick Cushing said. “The challenge of going anywhere on the road and trying to get a result is one that we embrace. The next place we are going is Miami. We know it’s difficult and we know that they have a real plethora of talent.”
In addition to Messi’s absence, Miami announced on Thursday it will be without midfielder Federico Redondo for eight weeks due to a left lateral collateral ligament injury.
Miami (3-2-1, 10 points), which is second in the MLS Eastern Conference standings, is coming off a 4-0 loss at the New York Red Bulls last weekend.
Inter Miami is 2-1-0 at home this season.
“We need to change a lot of things if we want to compete and be a solid team,” Miami head coach Tata Martino said. “We must find regularity for all the games and competitions we are in.”
–Field Level Media