D.C. United host Inter Miami on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Audi Field, kicking off at 7:30 p.m. ET in a key MLS Eastern Conference matchup[1][5][7]. Inter Miami will be without superstar Lionel Messi and veteran Jordi Alba, both ruled out due to injuries. As a result, Miami’s expected starting XI features Oscar Ustari in goal with defenders Marcelo Weigandt, Tomas Aviles, Maximiliano Falcon, and Noah Allen; midfielders Sergio Busquets and Yannick Bright; attackers Tadeo Allende, Benjamin Cremaschi, Fafa Picault, and striker Luis Suárez leading the line[3].
Miami enter the match after a dramatic 2–1 win over Tigres UANL in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals and currently sit third in the Eastern Conference on points-per-game. Their focus remains on securing playoff qualification and a potential Supporters’ Shield run, even in Messi’s absence[1][2][6]. After Saturday’s league match, Inter Miami will turn attention to the Leagues Cup semifinal against Orlando City next Wednesday[3].
D.C. United continue to struggle, now winless in their last 10 MLS matches and tied for the bottom of the conference[1]. They will be missing starting goalkeeper Hosei Kijima, Kristian Fletcher, Randall Leal, and Peglow due to injuries. Top striker Christian Benteke, along with Aaron Herrera and Gabriel Pirani, are expected to spearhead their attack in a direct 4-4-2 system, aiming to exploit Miami’s defensive lapses[1].
The predicted lineups are:
D.C. United (4-4-2): Barraza; Schnegg, Rowles, MacNaughton, Antley; Hopkins, Servania, Peltola, Herrera; Pirani, Benteke
Inter Miami: Ustari; Weigandt, Aviles, Falcon, Allen; Busquets, Bright; Allende, Cremaschi, Picault; Suárez[1][3]
Recent meetings have been tight, but bookmakers and pundits expect Inter Miami—despite missing Messi—to defeat D.C. United, with score predictions often favoring Miami by a wide margin (4–0 expected)[1].
In-match promotions include a commemorative shirt giveaway for the first 5,000 fans at Audi Field, with additional stadium entry and mobile app reminders provided for attendees[7].
References
- [1] D.C. United vs. Inter Miami: Preview, Predictions and Lineups
- [2] Inter Miami Standings – Soccer – 365Scores
- [3] Why is Lionel Messi not playing for Inter Miami in today’s MLS match
- [5] Where to watch DC United vs Inter Miami live in the USA: 2025 MLS
- [6] Inter Miami Standings 2025 & Table – Tribuna.com
- [7] Match Center | August 23, 2025 vs. Inter Miami CF | DC United