New York City FC will gaze to continue its strong start to the 2026 MLS season when it hosts Inter Miami on Sunday afternoon. The match comes as Inter Miami attempts to rebound from a disappointing exit in the Concacaf Champions Cup round of 16, where a 1-1 draw against Nashville SC saw them eliminated on away goals. NYCFC currently leads the Eastern Conference, having secured 10 points from their first four games, most recently with a 3-1 victory over the Colorado Rapids.
The contest at Yankee Stadium presents a significant challenge for both sides. While NYCFC aims to extend their winning streak, Inter Miami will be eager to regain momentum after their Champions Cup heartbreak. Manager Javier Mascherano is expected to field a strong lineup, despite a recent scoreless draw against Charlotte FC where the team rotated players.
Lionel Messi, who recently scored his 900th career goal, will be a key player to watch for Inter Miami. The team’s $15 million offseason signing, Germán Berterame, is still seeking his first goal of the season, and will look to capitalize on opportunities created by Messi and his teammates. The smaller field size at Yankee Stadium is expected to give NYCFC an early advantage, forcing Inter Miami to adjust their tactics.
Inter Miami has a historically unfavorable record against NYCFC, with the Pigeons winning eight of their 15 meetings, compared to just three wins for Miami and four draws. NYCFC has the opportunity to match their longest win streak in club history with a victory on Sunday, potentially setting the stage for a record-breaking run against St. Louis CITY SC on April 4.
NYCFC Seeking Fourth Straight Win
New York City FC is riding a wave of momentum, and a win against Inter Miami would mark their fourth consecutive victory. Nicolás Fernández and Maxi Moralez have been instrumental in the Pigeons’ success, providing a potent attacking threat. Even though, overcoming Inter Miami’s star power will be a significant test.
Matt Freese, the U.S. Men’s national team first-choice goalkeeper, is expected to feature in goal for NYCFC before joining his national team for upcoming friendlies against Portugal, and Belgium. The team’s settled backline, having conceded only three goals in four matches, will be crucial in containing Inter Miami’s attack.
Here’s the predicted lineup for New York City FC (4-3-3): Freese; Gray, Martins, Trewin, O’Toole; O’Neill, Moralez, Parks; Ojeda, Fernández, Wolf.
Inter Miami Looks to Reset After Champions Cup Disappointment
Despite the setback in the Champions Cup, Inter Miami is expected to prioritize its MLS campaign, aiming for a second Supporters’ Shield in three seasons and a repeat MLS Cup title. Manager Mascherano is anticipated to deploy his strongest possible lineup against NYCFC, bringing back key players who featured in the Champions Cup match against Nashville SC.
Messi will likely operate as a playmaker, creating opportunities for Berterame, while Tadeo Allende and Mateo Silvetti are expected to provide width and attacking threat from the wings. Dayne St. Clair is expected to return in goal, despite Rocco Ríos Novo’s performance against Charlotte FC. Inter Miami will be without fullback Sergio Reguilón and center back Maxi Falcón due to injuries sustained against Nashville SC.
Here’s the predicted lineup for Inter Miami (4-2-3-1): St. Clair; Mura, Luján, Micael, Allen; De Paul, Bright; Allende, Messi, Silvetti, Berterame.
Match Details and How to Watch
The match between New York City FC and Inter Miami is scheduled for Sunday, March 22, at 1:00 p.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. PT at Yankee Stadium in New York City. Fans in the United States and worldwide can watch the game live on Apple TV.
As Inter Miami turns its focus back to the MLS regular season, the team faces a challenging test against a strong NYCFC side. The match promises to be a compelling encounter between two of the league’s top teams, with significant implications for the Eastern Conference standings. The outcome will undoubtedly provide insight into both teams’ ambitions for the remainder of the season.
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