Inter Miami vs. Austin FC: Preview, Predictions and Lineups

Inter Miami will open their permanent home on Saturday, welcoming Austin FC to the brand-new Nu Stadium for the first match ever, leaving behind their temporary Inter Miami Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, which they had called home since entering MLS in 2020.

The reigning MLS Cup champions come into the match off a 3–2 win over New York City FC before the international break and welcome several stars back from international duty, including Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, who continued preparations with Argentina as they look to defend their World Cup title this summer.

Currently sitting third in the Eastern Conference, Miami is hoping to build some momentum and take on a Los Verdes side looking for its first win in three games, following a scoreless draw against the dominant LAFC in its last contest.

Here’s Sports Illustrated’s guide to the matchup.

Inter Miami vs. Austin FC Score Prediction

Inter Miami Seeking Stadium-Opening Victory

Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano told reporters that he doesn’t want his team to be “distracted” or caught up in the “emotion” of opening Nu Stadium, which features the Leo Messi Stand, among other elements. Nevertheless, the Herons will look to do the moment justice by earning three points.

Messi played significant minutes with Argentina over the break, but is expected to still play a central role in the match and additional festivities, while the $15 million offseason signing, Germán Berterame, is desperate to get on the board this season, still awaiting his first goal after seven matches across all competitions.

Nu Stadium: Moving to a new ground is always special, and it will be a remarkable day for the club as they unveil it. Yet, they will want to send fans home happy with a win, given the stadium remains unfinished, and traffic is expected to be a significant concern.
De Paul’s Intensity: Rodrigo De Paul has had an underwhelming season with Miami, and Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni was adamant that no one is safe on the World Cup roster. Could De Paul be left off?
Striker Question: Inter Miami is still adjusting to Berterame. Is this a team that simply thrives without a star striker? If he continues to struggle, could they offload him to add another DP star?

Prediction: Inter Miami 3–1 Austin FC

Inter Miami Predicted Lineup vs. Austin FC

Despite several players taking on signficant playing time over the international break, expect Javier Mascherano to field a first-choice lineup for the first match at Nu Stadium, highlighted by Lionel Messi’s inclusion in midfield.

While Messi has thrived as a striker with Miami, it remains critical for the club to get Berterame scoring, and the new stadium’s first match could be the perfect opportunity for the Mexico international to end his drought. After being dropped for Tadeo Allende in the 3–2 win over New York City FC, Berterame will also be aware of the pressure he is under.

In midfield, expect De Paul to draw back into the lineup alongside Yannick Bright, as the default pivot returns, despite a strong showing from David Ayala in the NYCFC matchup.

Meanwhile, Ian Fray, fresh off World Cup qualification heartbreak with Jamaica, will start at right back in place of Facundo Mora, who trained separately with a knock on Thursday. It is also unclear whether Sergio Reguilón is ready to go for this match at left back. In the heart of defense, Gonzalo Lujàn keeps his role alongside Micael after both scored against NYCFC, as Maxi Falcón continues to recover from injury.

Between the sticks, Canada's expected World Cup starter, Dayne St. Clair, returns, despite allowing two goals in a 2–2 draw with Iceland while on international duty.

Inter Miami predicted lineup vs. Austin FC (4-2-3-1): St. Clair; Fray, Luján, Micael, Allenl; Silvetti, Messi, Segovia; Berterame

Austin FC Predicted Lineup vs. Inter Miami

Led by manager Nico Estévez, Austin FC enters the matchup looking for a second win of the season, having two draws and two losses, including a three-game winless streak. Given the chance to spoil Miami’s stadium opener, expect a highly motivated group and one that can defend elite players, after keeping Son Heung-min and Denis Bouanga silent in a scoreless draw against LAFC.

The Verde and Black will be threatening to Miami’s defense throughout the night, with Uruguay international Facundo Torres likely attacking down the right side, after sitting on the bench for two games against England and Algeria over the recent international break. Meanwhile, Christian Ramírez and Myrto Uzuni continue to develop their strike partnership at the top of the 4-4-2, with Brandon Vázquez also a potential option.

Midfield will see MLS veteran Ilie Sánchez pulling the strings, looking to combine with either Joseph Rosales down the left side or, potentially, offseason signing Jayden Nelson, who has shown flashes of form as he adjusts to his new team.

The center back duo of Brendan Hines-Ike and Oleksandr Svatok could also stand out, after the former chased down to make a last-ditch tackle on Son in the previous matchup against LAFC. Meanwhile, MLS veteran backstop Brad Stuver inspires confidence between the sticks.

Austin FC predicted lineup vs. Inter Miami (4-4-2): Stuver; Gallagher, Svatok, Hines-Ike, Bell; Torres, Dubersarsky, Sánchez, Rosales, Ramírez, Uzuni

What Time Does Inter Miami vs. Austin FC Kick Off?

Location: Miami, Florida
Stadium: Nu Stadium
Date: Saturday, April 4
Kick-off Time: 7:30 pm ET/4:30 pm PT

How to Watch Inter Miami vs. Austin FC on TV, Live Stream

Country	TV/Live Stream
United States and Worldwide	Apple TV