Inter Miami head north to Stade Saputo on Saturday night looking to extend one of the hottest runs in Major League Soccer. The Herons have climbed to second place in the Eastern Conference after winning five straight league games, while CF Montréal continue searching for consistency as they sit near the bottom of the standings.
The biggest storyline, however, is not the standings. It’s the absence of Lionel Messi.
The Argentine legend is expected to remain unavailable as he continues his post-2026 FIFA World Cup recovery period, leaving Inter Miami to prove they can continue winning without the league’s biggest star. Rodrigo De Paul is also expected to miss the trip to Montréal.
Match Details
Competition: MLS Regular Season
Venue: Stade Saputo, Montréal
Date: Saturday, July 26, 2026
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: Apple TV
Current Form
CF Montréal
- Eastern Conference: 13th
- Struggling to stay in the playoff race
- Inconsistent both offensively and defensively
Montréal have shown flashes of quality at home but have struggled to string together positive results. Defensive lapses have repeatedly cost them valuable points, and facing one of MLS’ most in-form attacks presents another major challenge.
Inter Miami CF
- Eastern Conference: 2nd
- Five consecutive MLS victories
- Six matches unbeaten
Even after the World Cup break, Miami found a way to win, defeating Chicago Fire 3-2 despite missing Messi and De Paul. Luis Suárez produced a vintage performance with two goals before youngster Preston Plambeck scored the dramatic winner, highlighting the growing depth within Guillermo Hoyos’ squad.
Can Inter Miami Win Without Messi?
The simple answer is yes—but differently.
Messi remains Miami’s creative heartbeat, capable of deciding games with one moment of brilliance. Without him, however, Miami become a far more direct team.
Instead of building every attack through Messi, the Herons spread responsibility across multiple players.
Luis Suárez becomes the focal point in the penalty area.
Tadeo Allende provides pace and vertical runs.
Telasco Segovia and Benjamin Cremaschi are asked to carry the ball through midfield rather than simply feeding Messi between the lines.
The victory over Chicago Fire demonstrated exactly that. Miami generated enough attacking chances through collective movement rather than individual magic, while younger players embraced larger roles.
Against a Montréal defense that has struggled throughout the season, Miami should still create opportunities even without the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Key Battle
Luis Suárez vs Montréal’s Center-Backs
At 39, Suárez may no longer outrun defenders, but his movement inside the penalty area remains elite.
His brace in Miami’s previous league game reminded everyone that he still needs only a half-chance to score. Montréal cannot afford to lose concentration on crosses or cutbacks because Suárez remains one of MLS’ best finishers.
Player to Watch
CF Montréal: Prince Owusu
Montréal need someone capable of stretching Miami’s back line. Owusu’s physical presence gives the hosts their best chance of creating scoring opportunities, particularly on transitions.
Inter Miami: Luis Suárez
With Messi unavailable, Suárez becomes the obvious attacking leader. His experience, finishing ability and intelligent positioning could decide another game.
Expected Lineups
CF Montréal (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Jonathan Sirois
Defenders: George Campbell, Joel Waterman, Fernando Álvarez, Luca Petrasso
Midfield: Samuel Piette, Wikelman Carmona
Attacking Midfield: Bryce Duke, Caden Clark, Dante Sealy
Forward: Prince Owusu
Inter Miami CF (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Rocco Ríos Novo
Defenders: Marcelo Weigandt, Maximiliano Falcón, Tomás Avilés, Jordi Alba
Midfield: Benjamin Cremaschi, Sergio Busquets, Telasco Segovia
Forwards: Tadeo Allende, Luis Suárez, Fafà Picault
Lineups are projected and subject to change based on team news before kickoff.
Tactical Outlook
Montréal will likely defend in a compact shape and attempt to hit Miami on the counterattack.
Miami, meanwhile, should dominate possession through Busquets while relying on Alba’s overlapping runs and Suárez’s movement inside the box.
The visitors may not control matches with the same elegance they do when Messi plays, but their recent performances suggest they have enough attacking balance to continue winning.
Prediction
Playing away in Montréal is never straightforward, but current form strongly favors the visitors.
Messi’s absence certainly reduces Miami’s creativity, yet the supporting cast has shown it can shoulder the responsibility. If Suárez continues his recent scoring form and Busquets controls midfield, Miami should create enough chances to secure another three points.
Prediction: CF Montréal 1-2 Inter Miami CF
Without Messi, the margin for error becomes smaller—but based on recent performances, Inter Miami still have enough quality to extend their winning streak.
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