Lionel Messi will not play in Inter Miami vs Atlanta United where to watch live with lineups and predictions

Inter Miami faces Atlanta United this Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 8:30 p.m., at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, for the 33rd round of Major League Soccer. Lionel Messi starts as captain, after missing Argentina’s national team, aiming to solidify the team’s second place in the Eastern Conference with 55 points. Atlanta United, 14th with 27 points, seeks to climb the table to avoid relegation. The match will be broadcast live on Apple TV via MLS Season Pass.

Messi has 24 goals and 13 assists this season, tied for the top scorer with Denis Bouanga. This clash marks Inter Miami’s second-to-last home game in the regular season.

Coach Javier Mascherano sticks with a 4-4-2 formation, with Messi leading the squad. The team comes off a 4-0 win over New York City FC, securing a playoff spot.

Messi’s presence boosts Inter Miami

Lionel Messi returns after being rested in Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Venezuela in Miami. His start raises expectations for the match, with focus on maintaining team momentum. The Argentine posted a message on social media promoting the game, signaling full availability.

Inter Miami records 17 wins, 7 draws, and 8 losses so far. Messi contributes to 70% of the team’s goals, averaging 1.53 contributions per 90 minutes.

Inter Miami’s recent performance

The team secured three wins in their last five MLS games. In their previous match, a 4-1 victory over New England Revolution, Messi provided three assists. A 0-0 draw against FC Cincinnati showcased defensive solidity.

A 3-5 loss to Chicago Fire exposed midfield vulnerabilities. Mascherano adjusted the lineup to improve quick transitions.

These results place Inter Miami with two games in hand over direct rivals. The positive streak includes 12 goals scored in the last four matches.

The focus now lies on playoff preparation, with minimal rotation in the attack.

Messi’s 2025 season numbers

Messi has 24 goals in 26 MLS matches, leading the scoring charts alongside Bouanga. His 13 assists rank him second in the category, behind Anders Dreyer’s 18.

His pass accuracy reaches 88%, with 3.2 successful dribbles per game. He achieved 37 goal contributions, a historic record for two consecutive MLS seasons.

• Messi is the first player with 35+ goal contributions in two straight MLS seasons.
• His 1.53 goals or assists per 90 minutes is the league’s highest.
• At home, he scored 14 goals at Chase Stadium this year.
• He chases Carlos Vela’s record of 49 goal contributions in a single season.

These stats strengthen his case for a second consecutive MVP award.

Atlanta United’s standing in MLS

Atlanta United has five wins, 12 draws, and 15 losses, with a negative goal difference of 20. The defense concedes 1.8 goals per game on average. Emmanuel Latte Lath leads the attack with four goals.

The team comes off two goalless losses, including a 0-1 defeat to LAFC. Coach Gonzalo Pineda prioritizes defensive compactness to neutralize Messi.

Injuries, like Ajani Fortune’s, impact the midfield. The team seeks points to climb the table with three games left.

Probable lineup and absences

Inter Miami fields Óscar Ustari in goal, Weigandt, Luján, Avilés, and Jordi Alba in defense. In midfield, Sergio Busquets, Diego Rodríguez, Noah Bright, and Tadeo Allende. Up top, Messi and Luis Suárez form the attacking duo.

• Inter Miami absences: Maximiliano Falcón and Ian Fray due to injuries.
• Atlanta United absences: Bartosz Slisz and others due to injuries.
• Referee: Allen Chapman officiates the match.

Suárez has nine goals and 11 assists in 26 games. Alba contributes eight assists from the left-back position.

Atlanta is expected to start Jayden Hibbert in goal, Gregersen, Berrocal, and Amador in defense, Muyumba and Alzate in midfield, with Thiare and Latte Lath up front.

Head-to-head history

The teams have faced off 18 times, with seven wins each and four draws. The aggregate scoreline shows 52 goals in total.

The last encounter, in March 2025, ended 2-1 for Inter Miami, with a decisive goal from Suárez. Messi has scored three times against Atlanta, including a stunning free-kick in 2024.

Chase Stadium expects 18,000 fans, with tickets sold out. The forecast predicts 28°C with no rain.

Predictions point to a 3-1 Inter Miami win, with Messi contributing to the score.