Inter Miami returns to MLS action on the weekend aiming to extend their positive domestic run. The Herons will be hosting the New York Red Bulls at Chase Stadium this Saturday, May 4 at 7:30 p.m. ET. Lionel Messi and Co. are at the top of the table with 21 points accumulated in 11 matches. On the other hand, the away side, who have played one game less just like many other MLS teams, sit at 3rd in the Eastern Conference with 17 points. 

Tata Martino’s side will enter this contest in high spirits, having clinched a 4-1 victory over the New England Revolution last week. Meanwhile, 10-man Sandro Schwarz and Co. were held at Red Bull Arena by Vancouver Whitecaps, enduring a 1-1 draw. Both sides would be desperate to clinch the crucial three points. 

Injury report: Is Lionel Messi available for Inter Miami vs NY Red Bulls clash?

Inter Miami injuries:  To answer the most anticipated question regarding Lionel Messi’s availability, there are some bittersweet updates. A video shared on X showcased the skipper touching the back of his left thigh during training today. Even though reports suggested that he trained normally, the clip shows that he looked slightly distressed. Likewise, Martino also had a huge update on La Pulga. 

In a recent interview, the Miami boss said, “Messi is free to move and play in any position on the pitch, he is the best footballer in the world and a great goalscorer. We can’t limit his movement. Now we are not playing much and he has time to recover from the physical demands.” This certainly erases concerns regarding Messi’s injury. 

Speaking of his teammates, new signing Federico Redondo remains sidelined due to an LCL injury. Likewise, this is still not a good time for Sergiy Kryvtsov and Jordi Alba to return as they continue to nurse their hamstring strains. While Robbie Robinson is out with his sore knee, Facundo Farias is still ruled out for the remainder of the season.

NY Red Bulls injuries: A red card issued to Noah Eile in the 74th minute against the Whitecaps indicates that the Red Bulls won’t have him available this weekend. Additionally, Ronald Donkor missed that match due to a sore hip, and Peter Stroud is still in recovery from ankle surgery. While Roald Mitchell and Serge Ngoma were sidelined in their last game due to knee injuries, Cory Burke’s participation remains uncertain due to an ongoing groin problem.

Inter Miami vs NY Red Bulls: expected lineups

Inter Miami expected starting XI: Callender; Weigandt, Aviles, Freire, Negri; Rojas, Busquets, Ruiz; Messi, Suarez, Taylor

NY Red Bulls expected starting XI: Coronel; D. Nealis, S. Nealis, O’Connor, Tolkin; Harper, Edelman, Carmona, Forsberg; Vanzeir, Morgan

Inter Miami vs NY Red Bulls: head-to-head and prediction

Total matches played: 9

Won by Inter Miami: 3

Won by NY Red Bulls: 6

Draw: 0

Even though Inter Miami is in great form, the NY Red Bulls might become a reminder for them that their lead in the MLS table is fragile. Yet, we reckon that Messi and Co. will get the job done on the weekend, winning the match 3-2. 

Where to watch and stream Inter Miami vs NY Red Bulls? 

Fans in the United States can catch the action live on Apple TV.