Recent York City FC prepares to host Lionel Messi and Inter Miami this Sunday, March 22nd, at Yankee Stadium in a highly anticipated Major League Soccer matchup. Coming off a disappointing exit from the Concacaf Champions Cup, Inter Miami will look to refocus their efforts on domestic play, with Messi expected to feature before joining the Argentina national team for upcoming friendlies.
The contest marks a key moment for Inter Miami, who currently hold a 2W-3D-1L record across all competitions. While Messi continues to be a driving force, scoring four of the team’s seven goals so far this season, coach Javier Mascherano has emphasized the need for broader offensive contributions. The team is aiming to prove their Champions Cup elimination was an anomaly and re-establish their dominance in MLS.
Inter Miami’s recent Champions Cup run ended in a 1-1 draw against Nashville, resulting in elimination due to the away goals rule. Despite the setback, Messi recently reached a milestone, scoring his 900th career goal during that match. Mascherano acknowledged the team’s disappointment but stressed the importance of moving forward. “We can’t change what happened, and there’s no point in dwelling on it,” he said during a training session on Saturday, March 21st. “That’s soccer — it happens sometimes — but I think it’s up to us to prove that what happened the other day was just a fluke. And well, the best way to prove it is to focus on the league now.”
The pressure is on Inter Miami’s supporting cast to step up. Strikers Germán Berterame and Tadeo Allende, along with Uruguayan star Luis Suárez, have yet to find the back of the net consistently this season. Mascherano highlighted this need for increased scoring depth, stating, “Beyond having Leo — who always delivers an incredible number of goals, whether by scoring them himself or providing assists — we need the rest of the team to start scoring and contributing to those numbers as well.”
Match Details: NYCFC vs. Inter Miami
The match between NYCFC and Inter Miami is scheduled for 1:00 PM ET on Sunday, March 22nd. Fans can catch the action live on Apple TV. This will be a crucial game for both teams as they navigate the early stages of the MLS season.
Injury Report: Key Players Sidelined
Inter Miami will be without several key players for the match against NYCFC. Rodrigo De Paul is sidelined with a muscle contusion, while defenders Maxi Falcon and Sergio Reguilón are both recovering from knee injuries. These absences will test the depth of Inter Miami’s squad as they face a challenging road game.
Recent History: Inter Miami’s Dominance Over NYCFC
Inter Miami holds a significant advantage in recent matchups against NYCFC. The teams last met in the 2025 MLS Eastern Conference final, where Inter Miami secured a decisive 5-1 victory on November 29, 2025. This history will undoubtedly add extra intensity to Sunday’s contest.
Messi’s Upcoming Schedule
Lionel Messi has a busy schedule ahead, balancing commitments with both Inter Miami and the Argentina national team. Here’s a look at his upcoming matches:
- March 22: New York City FC vs. Inter Miami, 1 p.m. ET
- March 27: Argentina vs. Mauritania, 6:15 p.m. ET
- March 31: Argentina vs. Zambia, 6:15 p.m. ET
- April 4: Inter Miami vs. Austin FC, 7:30 p.m. ET
As Inter Miami looks to rebound from their Champions Cup disappointment, Sunday’s match against NYCFC presents a vital opportunity to regain momentum in MLS play. With Messi expected to play, all eyes will be on the Argentine superstar to lead his team to victory. The game promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of the league’s top teams.
Stay tuned to Archyde.com for continued coverage of Inter Miami and the MLS season. Share your predictions for the match in the comments below!
