Philadelphia Union welcome Inter Miami and Lionel Messi to Subaru Park in the 2023 Leagues Cup semi-final, with both sides having on eye on the final to lift the coveted trophy and a place in the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup.
Philadelphia Union narrowly edged Liga MX side Queretaro in their quarter-final matchup, as Chris Donovan scored a late winner deep into stoppage time that appeared to be offside in the eyes of the visiting team's fans. However, the referee didn't see it that way and the Union hung on to a 2-1 victory.
Inter Miami, meanwhile, made light word of Charlotte FC at home, dominating en route to a 4-0 triumph. All of the Herons' starting front three got on the scoresheet as Gerardo 'Tata' Martino's men kept a clean sheet for just the second time in the tournament.
Will Messi put his team on his back again and propel Miami to the final, or will Jim Curtin's well-drilled squad put on a defensive masterclass against the best player in the world?
Where are Philadelphia Union vs Inter Miami playing?
- Location: Chester, Pennsylvania
- Stadium: Subaru Par
- Date: 15 August 2023
- Kick-off time: 19:00 EST / 16:00 PT / 02:00* BST
* 16 August 2023
Philadelphia Union vs Inter Miami H2H record (Last Three Games)
- Philadelphia Union: 2 wins
- Inter Miami: 1 win
- Draws: 0
- Last Meeting: Philadelphia Union 4-1 Inter Miami (24 June 2023)
How to watch Philadelphia Union vs Inter Miami on TV and live stream
Inter Miami team news
The Herons only have one player who's showed up on the injury report, and it happens to be their most important player.
Messi reportedly received a knock to his right ankle in training on Monday, but Martino was quick to dismiss that there was anything wrong with the 2022 World Cup winner.
"I was only at a part of the session because I had a meeting afterwards and was finishing preparing, so I didn't see exactly what happened," said Martino in a pre-game press conference. "But if it was something serious, I'm sure everyone would have been shocked. Since everyone was fine, I imagine nothing happened."
Inter Miami predicted lineup vs Philadelphia Union
Inter Miami predicted lineup vs Philadelphia Union ( 4-3-3 ): Callender; Yedlin, Kryvstov, Miller, Jordi Alba; Arroyo, Busquets, Cremaschi; Messi, Martinez, Taylor
Philadelphia Union vs Inter Miami score prediction
While Miami's chaotic comeback win against FC Dallas on the road was a significant test, this matchup with a defensive Philadelphia team will prove to be just as difficult, if not more. Curtin's squad are a tough side to beat, especially at home in front of their proud supporters.
Martino will want his side to have more of the ball, and they'll probably be able to given the way that the Union like to break on the counter-attack when possible. With the likes of Julian Carranza, Daniel Gazdag, and Mikael Uhre, the Eastern Conference team have the potential to be devastating on the counter against Miami's makeshift backline.
It will be a close one with a trip to the Leagues Cup final on the line, and Miami could just edge the hosts by having Messi in their side.
Prediction: Philadelphia Union 1-2 Inter Miami
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This article was originally published on 90min as Philadelphia Union vs Inter Miami - Leagues Cup preview: TV channel, live stream, team news & prediction .