By Braden Chalker
Inter Miami are back in action just three days after their Concacaf Champions Cup defeat to Monterrey.
Everything appeared to be lining up for a sensational Lionel Messi return against one of the biggest clubs in North America Wednesday night, but the Argentine superstar was left out of the squad as the Herons aren't taking any chances with his hamstring injury.
Messi has reportedly been back in training, though, following Miami's narrow loss to Rayados and looks more likely to play a part this weekend than he did in the first leg of the Champions Cup quarter-finals. The Herons are desperate for their No. 10 to return to the XI, as they've failed to pick up a win in their last three games across all competitions whilst having little depth up front.
Here's how Miami could lineup for their primetime clash with the Rapids.
Inter Miami predicted lineup vs Colorado Rapids
GK: Drake Callender - Miami's starting shot-stopper will hope to produce another multi-save performance like he did vs Monterrey.
RB: Marcelo Weigandt - Martino has no other right-back options but thankfully Weigandt has impressed for the most part since in his first two games for the club.
CB: Tomas Aviles - The young defender was surprisingly amongst the goals last time out and will earn another start in the backline.
CB: Nicolas Freire - The veteran figure was a little rusty in his return to mix but he'll be key to Miami's chances of picking up three points against the Rapids.
LB: Jordi Alba - The former Spanish international keeps trucking on for the Herons and could find lots of joy down the left-hand side Saturday night.
CM: David Ruiz - Martino will hope that Ruiz won't get off sent this time out after being shown a second yellow against Rayados in the Champions Cup.
CM: Sergio Busquets - Busquets continues to keep things in check in the middle of the park and has been one of Miami's more consistent performers in 2024.
CM: Diego Gomez - No questions here, one of the best young midfielders keeps his place in Martino's lineup.
RW: Lionel Messi - A long-awaited return to the XI for the game's best-ever player is set to inject much-needed creativity into the Miami team.
ST: Luis Suarez - Suarez will look to find the back of the net again after blanking in the midweek clash.
LW: Leo Alfonso - A first-ever start is on the cards for the youngster due to Miami's injury-riddle attacking unit.
This article was originally published on 90min.com as Inter Miami predicted lineup vs Colorado Rapids - MLS.
