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Lionel Messi & Inter Miami seek bounceback vs. DC United
Oct 08 2026 15:20 · By onefootball.com · 4 Reads
By Ben Steiner
Fresh off hanging up his boots for the Argentina national team, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF will look to return to winning ways when they host D.C. United for Matchday 29's Walmart Saturday Showdown.
How to watch & stream
When
Where
Inter Miami CF
Standings
Last game
Although Messi scored a stunning free-kick golazo, the Herons suffered a 2-1 loss to Columbus Crew during last weekend's Sunday Night Soccer presented by Continental Tire thriller at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, courtesy of Jamal Thiaré's stoppage-time winner.
Players to watch
Need to know
Inter Miami are still searching for that new coach boost after appointing Cristian "Kily" González as their manager amid a five-game winless streak in league play.
In fact, the Herons have won just once in their last 10 league matches since the start of August and have subsequently fallen out of the Supporters' Shield race.
Nonetheless, they're still among the favorites to repeat as MLS Cup presented by Audi champions and become the first back-to-back winners since the LA Galaxy in 2011-12.
That's largely because Lionel Messi is once again leading the league in goal contributions (34) as he chases a historic Landon Donovan MLS MVP three-peat.
D.C. United
Summer signing Kimito Nono netted his first MLS goals with a brace in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Western Conference-leading Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
Just three points back of the Wild Card spots in the Eastern Conference with a game in hand on both New York-based holders, D.C. have their sights set firmly on an Audi MLS Cup Playoffs appearance.
However, like Miami, the Black-and-Red have won just once in their last nine games since the start of August.
Freshly returned from international duty with their countries, DP striker duo Tai Baribo and Louis Munteanu will aim to get D.C. back to winning ways in Miami.
Player of the Matchday 9: Tai Baribo
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Fans seem to feel confident in Miami picking up three points this weekend, with the Herons earning over 71% of the market, compared to 14% for D.C.
Market insights shared are current as of Thursday, Oct. 8 at 10 am ET.