Inter Miami will hope to secure their first win of MLS season when they take on Houston Dynamo.
For just the second time in club history, Inter Miami will visit Shell Energy Stadium on Sunday as they take on Houston Dynamo in an MLS regular season matchup.
Both teams are coming off contrasting starts to their season — Houston suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Dallas, while Inter Miami salvaged a dramatic 2-2 draw against New York City FC with a last-minute equaliser.
Despite starting well in their season opener, Houston Dynamo failed to hold onto their lead, ultimately losing 2-1 to FC Dallas. A costly defensive turnover and a goalkeeping error handed Ben Olsen’s side their first defeat of the campaign.
That result also ended Houston Dynamo’s five-match unbeaten run at home in MLS play, and it was the first time they conceded multiple goals at Shell Energy Stadium since matchday 18 of last season (2-2 vs Seattle Sounders).
Since taking over as head coach in 2023, Ben Olsen has never lost consecutive home matches in the regular season, and the Dynamo will aim to keep that record intact. However, history suggests a tough challenge ahead, as Houston have only lost their opening two matches of an MLS season once in the last decade — back in 2023, when they followed a loss to FC Cincinnati with a 3-0 defeat against New England Revolution.
On a positive note, Houston Dynamo have dominated this fixture in recent years, winning their last three competitive matches against Inter Miami. That includes a 1-0 home win in 2023 and a 3-1 victory in the US Open Cup final later that year.
It took a dramatic 100th-minute equaliser for Inter Miami to avoid defeat in their season opener, but their fighting spirit and individual brilliance once again proved decisive. With that result, the Herons extended their unbeaten run in MLS regular-season matches to 12 games, dating back to 2024. They have also claimed maximum points in eight of those fixtures, underlining their ability to grind out results.
A win on Sunday would see Inter Miami achieve something they have not done since 2021, win their opening away match of the MLS season. They could only manage a 1-1 draw against LA Galaxy in their first road fixture of 2024, so they will be eager to make a stronger start this time around.
Newly appointed head coach Javier Mascherano was on the verge of losing his first match in charge, but Miami’s individual quality bailed him out once again. With Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Sergio Busquets in their ranks, the Herons are a team capable of turning matches on their head at any moment.
Miami finished the 2024 MLS season strongly on the road, picking up points in each of their last five away league games, including two consecutive wins. However, they have a poor record against Houston, having won just once in their four meetings, a narrow 1-0 home victory in 2020. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Team News & Tactics
Houston Dynamo
Houston Dynamo entered their season opener with a few injury concerns, and those issues continue heading into their clash with Inter Miami.
Nelson Quinones and Lawrence Ennali were both absent against FC Dallas due to knee injuries, and their availability for this weekend remains in doubt. If they remain sidelined, head coach Ben Olsen will once again have to make tactical adjustments.
Despite the 2-1 defeat in their first game, there were some positives for the Orange Crush. Amine Bassi was the standout performer, scoring their only goal, while Nicolas Lodeiro, Jack McGlynn, and Erik Duenas all made their regular-season debuts for the club.
Houston Dynamo are expected to set up in a traditional 4-4-2 formation, emphasising a strong midfield core and attacking width while aiming to stay compact defensively. Andrew Tarbell will retain his spot in goal, looking to improve after last weekend’s errors.
In defence, Griffin Dorsey will play as the right-back, while Ethan Bartlow and Obafemi Awodesu will operate in the center of defence, forming a young but physical partnership. Daniel Steres is expected to feature at left-back, adding defensive stability.
The midfield will likely consist of Franco Escobar on the right flank and Ibrahim Aliyu on the left, both offering width and energy to support the attack. Artur and Jack McGlynn will be deployed as the central midfield pairing, with McGlynn providing a creative outlet while Artur protects the defence.
Up front, Ezequiel Ponce and Amine Bassi will form a strike partnership, with Bassi looking to continue his fine goalscoring form after netting in the season opener against Dallas FC.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Tarbell; Dorsey, Bartlow, Awodesu, Steres; Escobar, Artur, McGlynn, Aliyu; Ponce, Bassi
Inter Miami
Inter Miami will head into their clash with Houston Dynamo missing key defensive personnel due to suspension and injury concerns. Tomas Aviles will not be available after receiving a red card just 23 minutes into their season opener against New York City FC. His absence will force Javier Mascherano to make changes in the center of defence.
In addition, goalkeeper Drake Callender (adductor), David Martinez (ankle), and Yannick Bright (thigh) are all doubtful for this encounter. If Callender is unable to start, Oscar Ustari will take over goalkeeping duties.
Despite these setbacks, Lionel Messi remains in top form. The Argentine legend assisted both goals in the 2-2 draw against NYCFC and was instrumental in their CONCACAF Champions Cup victories over Sporting Kansas City, where he also found the back of the net. His partnership with Luis Suarez in attack will be key to Miami’s chances.
Inter Miami are expected to line up in a 4-4-2 formation, emphasising possession-based football, quick transitions, and attacking movement from deep. Oscar Ustari will likely start in goal if Drake Callender is not fit to play.
The defensive backline will consist of Marcelo Weigandt at right-back, while Noah Allen and Ian Fray will fill in at centre-back in the absence of Tomás Avilés. Jordi Alba, with his experience and attacking prowess, will retain his spot at left-back, playing a key role in both defence and attack.
In midfield, Benjamin Cremaschi will be stationed on the right flank, offering creativity and width, while Federico Redondo and Sergio Busquets will control possession in central midfield, dictating the tempo and breaking up opposition attacks. On the left side, Tadeo Allende will look to link up with Messi and Alba, providing an attacking outlet down the wing.
Up front, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez will spearhead the attack, forming one of the most lethal partnerships in MLS. Messi’s ability to drop deep and create chances, combined with Suarez’s goal-scoring instinct and movement in the box, will be Miami’s primary attacking threat.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Ustari; Weigandt, Fray, Allen, Alba; Cremaschi, Busquets, Redondo, Allende; Messi, Suarez
Ways to Watch
Key Stats
- Houston Dynamo have won three consecutive competitive matches against Inter Miami, including a 1-0 home victory in 2023 and a 3-1 win in the US Open Cup final later that year. Miami’s only victory against Houston came in 2020 when they secured a 1-0 win at home.
- The Herons are currently unbeaten in 12 consecutive MLS regular-season matches, stretching back to 2024. During this run, they have picked up eight wins and four draws, showing their resilience and ability to grind out results.
- Despite their strong home form last season, Houston Dynamo’s season opener saw them concede multiple goals at Shell Energy Stadium for the first time since matchday 18 of 2024 (2-2 vs Seattle Sounders).
- Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez have already had a major impact in Inter Miami’s early matches this season. Messi assisted both goals in their 2-2 draw against NYCFC, while Suarez’s presence upfront continues to create space and scoring opportunities. Their partnership will be key in breaking down Houston’s defensive setup.
Player to Watch
Lionel Messi
Whenever Inter Miami step onto the pitch, Lionel Messi is naturally the center of attention, and this clash against Houston Dynamo will be no different. The Argentine legend has already made a significant impact this season, registering two assists in Miami’s 2-2 draw against New York City FC.
Messi’s vision, creativity, and ability to dictate play make him the most dangerous player on the pitch, and against a Houston Dynamo side that has shown defensive vulnerabilities, he will be looking to exploit every gap available.
Messi has also been crucial in Miami’s CONCACAF Champions Cup performances, scoring in both legs against Sporting Kansas City. His chemistry with Luis Suarez has been a key attacking weapon for Miami, and the duo will aim to break down Houston’s defence with quick link-up play and sharp movements in the final third.
With Inter Miami unbeaten in 12 MLS regular-season matches, Messi’s presence ensures that they remain a serious threat going forward. Expect him to be heavily involved in every attacking phase, dropping deep to orchestrate plays, create space, and provide key passes for his teammates.
If Houston Dynamo’s defence gives Messi too much room, he could single-handedly change the game — whether through a brilliant assist, a trademark dribble, or a stunning goal.
Prediction
Houston Dynamo 1-2 Inter Miami
Inter Miami’s experience and firepower should be enough to secure their first away win of the season, while Houston Dynamo’s defensive issues could prove costly once again. With the home side’s attacking firepower and the away side’s defensive vulnerabilities, this match could produce plenty of goal-scoring opportunities.
Houston Dynamo will take confidence from their recent dominance over Inter Miami, but the Herons’ star quality and unbeaten streak give them an edge. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-1 win for Javier Mascherano and his charges.
