Photo Courtesy of Philadelphia Union

Who: Philadelphia Union vs Inter Miami CF

What: MLS Matchday 21

When: Wednesday, August 19th, 7:30 PM EST

Where: Subaru Park, Chester, Pennsylvania

Watch: Apple TV

Whistle: Filip Dujic (REF), Ian McKay (AR1), Tyler Wyrostek (AR2), Pierre-Luc Lauziere (4TH), David Barrie (VAR), Matthew Rodman (AVAR)

The Philadelphia Union return to Subaru Park with hopes of extending their run of good form and continuing to push toward the playoffs. They will face stiff opposition, however, as Lionel Messi and Inter Miami come to town. The last time these teams met was an absolutely chaotic 6-4 victory for Miami just before the World Cup break. Will these two teams play out another barnstormer, and can the Union flip the script on the MLS Cup Champions?

Scouting Report: Inter Miami CF

Inter Miami come into this match second in the Eastern Conference, and in the league, but on a bit of a rough run of form. Miami were eliminated from the Leagues Cup with one win and two losses, and followed that up with a 4-1 loss at league-leading Nashville SC on Saturday.

Miami have conceded nine goals over the past three games. Goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novos in particular has struggled over the past few weeks; it wouldn’t be a surprise to see reigning MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Dayne St. Clair reclaim the starting role.

But make no mistake, Miami are a very dangerous team. Messi is still Messi, with twelve goals and eight assists in MLS play this year. Casemiro brings experience and guile in midfield. And Luis Suárez can still do damage up top, as the Union discovered in May.

Injury Report: None

Disciplinary Report: Rodrigo De Paul (Yellow Card Accumulation)

Scouting Report: Philadelphia Union

What seemed unthinkable at the World Cup break has suddenly become possible: the Philadelphia Union are just five points back of the playoff line following four consecutive league victories under interim head coach Ryan Richter. Last game out against NYCFC, the Union showed resilience and creativity, coming back from a two-goal deficit in the second half to win at Yankee Stadium.

Cavan Sullivan has been at the heart of the comeback and has earned his plaudits, but other players have also stepped up. Danley Jean Jacques and Jovan Lukic look like their 2025 selves again, bossing the midfield both in possession and out. Bruno Damiani has found his finishing boots, with three goals in his last two games. And the return of Kai Wagner has helped shore up the Union defensively and re-energized the attack.

Injury Report: None

Disciplinary Report: Jovan Lukic (Yellow Card Accumulation)

Matchup to Watch: Lionel Messi vs. Neil Pierre

This will be far and away the toughest challenge of Pierre’s young career, and the wily Miami attackers will look to exploit the defender’s size and inexperience.

Player to Watch: Quinn Sullivan

Quinn Sullivan picked up an assist off the bench against NYCFC, and gave his most athletic and confident performance since returning from injury. If Quinn is ready to start alongside his brother at attacking midfield, the Union attack could start looking downright scary.

Score Prediction: Philadelphia Union 2-2 Inter Miami CF

I expect another high-scoring game between these two. With the Union in good form, a result against the champions is very possible.