Inter Miami vs. Seattle Sounders: Preview, How to Watch, and Key Storylines
Inter Miami is set to face the Seattle Sounders at Chase Stadium on Tuesday. This match follows a previous encounter in the Leagues Cup final, where the Sounders defeated Inter Miami 3-0. Lionel Messi is expected to play, but Luis Suarez will be absent due to suspension. Find out how to watch the game and what to expect.
Match Details and How to Watch
The Inter Miami vs. Seattle Sounders match will begin at 7:30 p.m. ET (8:30 p.m. in Argentina). You can live stream the match on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.
Team News and Suspensions
Inter Miami will be without Luis Suarez, who is serving a three-game suspension from Major League Soccer for spitting at a Seattle Sounders staff member after the Leagues Cup Final. Tomás Aviles is also suspended. According to Inter Miami, Allen Obando, Fafa Picault, Baltasar Rodriguez, and David Ruiz are out with injuries. Telasco Segovia is listed as questionable with an ankle injury. The Sounders are missing Paul Arriola, Stuart Hawkins, and Ryan Kent, with Pedro de la Vega and João Paulo listed as questionable.
Coaches' Perspective
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano downplayed any lingering tension from the Leagues Cup final. "That's in the past," Mascherano told reporters. "What’s important for us is trying to play a good game and, above all, get a good result, so we can get a win again to get back into the top positions and, above all, to rebuild the confidence this team has had."
Key Players to Watch
Despite playing recently, Lionel Messi is expected to feature for Inter Miami. Tadeo Allende is likely to start in place of the suspended Luis Suarez. The Sounders will need to limit Messi's space and movement to replicate their previous success against him.
Betting Odds (via BETMGM)
| Bet | Odds |
|---|---|
| Inter Miami | +100 |
| Draw | +280 |
| Seattle | +220 |
| Over/Under (3.5 goals) | N/A |
Recent Form and Standings
Inter Miami is currently eighth in the MLS Eastern Conference standings, while the Sounders are fourth in the West. Inter Miami has been outscored 6-0 in their last two matches. The Sounders drew 2-2 against the Los Angeles Galaxy in their last game.
Messi's World Cup Ambitions
Lionel Messi spoke about his potential participation in the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. "Because of my age, the most logical thing is that I won’t make it. But well, we’re almost there so I’m excited and motivated to play it," Messi said. He emphasized taking it "day by day" and making a decision based on how he feels physically.
Stats to Consider
- +7.69: Inter Miami's over-performance in expected goals (xG) is the highest in MLS.
- +2.9: The Sounders have the third-best expected goal differential (xGD) on the road in MLS.
Tactical Outlook
Inter Miami will likely aim for a fast start, motivated by their previous loss to the Sounders and their recent defeat against Charlotte FC. The Sounders are expected to press the action and limit Miami's space, similar to their successful approach in the Leagues Cup match.
