In a thrilling encounter at Chase Stadium, Inter Miami CF faced off against the Philadelphia Union on March 30, 2025, in a match that had fans on the edge of their seats. The game, part of the Major League Soccer (MLS) regular season, showcased the talents of some of the league's biggest stars, including Lionel Messi, who made a significant impact upon his return from injury.
The match kicked off at 8:30 PM (Brasilia time), with both teams eager to assert their dominance in the Eastern Conference standings. Inter Miami entered the match in third place with 10 points from four games, while Philadelphia Union led the table with 12 points, having won four of their five matches. The stakes were high, as only two points separated the two teams.
Inter Miami, under the guidance of coach Javier Mascherano, was looking to capitalize on their home advantage. The probable lineup featured Oscar Ustari in goal, with a defense including Jordi Alba and M. Falcon. The midfield boasted the likes of Sergio Busquets and Luis Suárez, with Robert Taylor and Benjamín Cremaschi providing support in attack. However, there was uncertainty surrounding Messi’s participation, as he was listed as doubtful due to a recent adductor injury.
On the other side, Philadelphia Union, coached by Bradley Carnell, lined up with Andre Blake in goal and a strong defensive unit led by Kai Wagner and Jakob Glesnes. The Union aimed to maintain their top position in the conference, relying on their attacking prowess, which had already seen them score 12 goals this season.
The first half saw a tight contest, with both teams exchanging possession and chances. Inter Miami struck first in the 23rd minute when Taylor found the back of the net after a well-placed cross from Cremaschi. The goal sent the home crowd into a frenzy, giving Miami a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.
As the second half commenced, the tension in the stadium heightened. Messi, who had been on the bench, was substituted in for Taylor in the 55th minute. Just two minutes later, he made his presence felt by scoring a stunning goal in the 57th minute. Messi received a pass from Suárez, maneuvered past a defender, and fired a shot into the lower-left corner of the net, doubling Miami's lead to 2-0.
However, the Union were not ready to concede defeat. In the 80th minute, Daniel Gazdag pulled one back for Philadelphia, making the score 2-1. Gazdag's goal came from a well-placed cross by Quinn Sullivan, showcasing Philadelphia's resilience and ability to threaten Miami's defense. With just minutes remaining, the pressure mounted on Miami as they sought to maintain their lead.
Throughout the match, Ustari was a standout performer for Inter Miami, making crucial saves to keep his team ahead. He denied several attempts from Philadelphia, including a powerful header from Tai Baribo that he expertly palmed over the bar.
The match reached its climax as the referee added three minutes of stoppage time. Both teams pushed for a decisive goal, but Miami's defense held firm, securing a hard-fought victory. The final whistle blew, and Inter Miami emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline, propelling them to the top of the Eastern Conference standings with 13 points from five matches.
This victory marked an important moment for Inter Miami, especially with Messi back on the pitch contributing to the scoreline. His performance, combined with Taylor's earlier goal, demonstrated the team's depth and offensive capabilities as they continue their campaign in the MLS.
Looking ahead, Inter Miami has a busy schedule, with their next match against LAFC in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals on April 2, 2025. Following that, they will host Toronto FC on April 6 and play the second leg against LAFC on April 9, before heading to Chicago Fire on April 13. The team will be eager to build on this momentum and continue their pursuit of success in both domestic and international competitions.
As for Philadelphia Union, the loss was a setback, but they remain a formidable force in the league. With their strong lineup and tactical approach, they will look to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures and reclaim their position at the top of the standings.
