This fixture marks the only regular-season meeting between the clubs in 2025. Inter Miami enter the match as favorites, boasting a strong home record and sitting sixth in the MLS Eastern Conference. The Herons are eager to bounce back after a heavy 4–1 defeat to Orlando City, while the LA Galaxy, last in the Western Conference with just 16 points from 25 matches, hope to build momentum from recent Leagues Cup victories over Club Tijuana and Santos Laguna.
Inter Miami are expected to have Lionel Messi back in the lineup after the Argentine star missed two games due to injury. Head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed Messi’s availability, a significant boost for a team seeking to stabilize after parting ways with goalkeeper Drake Callender and midfielder Federico Redondo earlier in the week. Rodrigo De Paul is also likely to feature, despite missing a training session for visa reasons.
The predicted Inter Miami starting XI (4-2-3-1) is: Ustari; Allen, Falcon, Luján, Alba; Busquets, De Paul; Allende, Messi, Segovia; Suárez.
For the Galaxy, it’s been a challenging season, but their recent Leagues Cup run has provided a much-needed lift. Serbian goalkeeper Novak Mićović is set for his 18th appearance of the campaign, maintaining a 1.59 goals-against average and recording three shutouts, including a 4–0 win over Santos Laguna. Right back Miki Yamane, a Japanese international with 11 assists in 68 career Galaxy appearances, continues to impress on the flanks. Marco Reus, the former Borussia Dortmund star, has found form with 19 goal contributions (7 goals, 12 assists) in 34 appearances this year, while Diego Fagúndez remains a key creative force, having joined an elite group of MLS players with at least 75 goals and 75 assists in regular season play. Ghanaian forward Joseph Paintsil has been prolific at Dignity Health Sports Park, tallying seven goals and one assist in his last eight home matches.
The LA Galaxy’s predicted lineup (4-3-3): Mićović; Aude, Zanka, Yoshida, Cuevas; Fagúndez, Cerrillo, Reus; Pec, Nascimento, Paintsil. Notably, Riqui Puig is still recovering from an ACL injury and will not feature.
Historically, the head-to-head is close: in three meetings, LA Galaxy hold one win, Inter Miami none, and one draw, with their last encounter ending 1–1 on February 25, 2024 (full match details on ESPN).
Statistically, Inter Miami’s edge comes from their superior attacking output, especially with Messi and Suárez fit. However, the Galaxy’s recent defensive solidity and the creative resurgence of Reus and Fagúndez cannot be underestimated. The match also comes amid a congested fixture list for both sides, who are balancing deep Leagues Cup runs with regular season commitments.
Prediction: With Messi rested and ready, Inter Miami are expected to secure a 3–1 win, but the Galaxy, buoyed by Leagues Cup confidence, could pose problems if they can capitalize on set pieces and transition play.
For more on the latest MLS news and transfer rumors, follow @MLS and check out LA Galaxy official news.