3rd in Eastern Conference
\n10 points, 3W-1L-1D<\/p>\n
After playing in Fort Lauderdale since their 2020 expansion season, the Herons are setting roots in the heart of Miami with Nu Stadium<\/a> \u2013 a 26,700-seat soccer-specific stadium that’s the centerpiece of a 131-acre development near Miami International Airport.\u00a0<\/p>\n It’s the latest crowning achievement for a club that transformed North American soccer with the summer 2023 arrival of Lionel Messi<\/a>. The legendary Argentine No. 10 has guided the Herons to three titles: 2023\u00a0Leagues Cup<\/a>, the 2024 Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup 2025 presented by Audi.\u00a0<\/p>\n However, Miami’s 2026 season hit its first bump last month with an early exit from the Concacaf Champions Cup<\/a> against Nashville SC<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Herons responded with a 3-2 win<\/a> at Eastern Conference rivals New York City FC<\/a>. Now, they’re hoping to use the christening of Nu Stadium as further momentum following a five-game road swing to begin the campaign.\u00a0<\/p>\n Lionel Messi: The back-to-back Landon Donovan MLS MVP has 4g\/0a in four league appearances this year. Messi is expected to lead Argentina during their FIFA World Cup<\/a> title defense this summer. De Paul missed Miami’s trip to NYCFC (contusion), but should return to the starting lineup after featuring for Argentina during the March international window.<\/p>\n 11th in Western Conference Austin are in their second season under head coach Nico Est\u00e9vez. In 2025, he led the club to the\u00a0US Open Cup<\/a> final and back to the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs after a two-year absence.\u00a0<\/p>\n Hoping to build on that success, the Verde & Black were active during the winter transfer window. They acquired Uruguay international Facundo Torres<\/a> for a reported $9.5 million, completing their Designated Player trio alongside fellow forwards Myrto Uzuni<\/a> and Brandon Vazquez<\/a>.<\/p>\n After taking four points from their first two matches of 2026, Austin have gone winless in their last three. Most recently, they played to a 0-0 draw<\/a> at home against Western Conference leaders LAFC<\/a>.<\/p>\n Can the Verde & Black return to winning ways while playing spoiler at Nu Stadium in front of a prime-time audience?<\/p>\n Facundo Torres: Acquired<\/a> from Brazil’s Palmeiras after a star-making stint with Orlando City<\/a>, Torres has 0g\/2a in his first five games for Austin. He hopes to make Uruguay’s upcoming World Cup roster.
\nRodrigo De Paul: The 2022 World Cup champion is in his first full season with Miami since being fully acquired from LaLiga giants Atl\u00e9tico Madrid.
\nDayne St. Clair: The 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year and Canadian international joined the Herons in January via free agency. St. Clair<\/a> hopes to earn his country’s starting job at the 2026 World Cup.\u00a0
\nGerm\u00e1n Berterame:\u00a0Berterame<\/a> is looking for his first goal at his new club as he vies for a spot on Mexico’s World Cup squad. In January, the striker was acquired from LIGA MX’s CF Monterrey for a reported $15 million.
\nMicael: Amid Maxi Falc\u00f3n<\/a>‘s knee injury, the Brazilian center back has emerged as Miami’s main defensive pillar. Before the March international break, Micael<\/a> scored the game-winner at NYCFC.<\/p>\n
\n5 points, 1W-2L-2D<\/p>\n
\nMyrto Uzuni: During the March international window, the Albanian international narrowly missed out on the World Cup following a 2-1 playoff defeat to Poland.
\nBrad Stuver: The veteran goalkeeper is coming off a milestone 2025 season where he earned MLS All-Star honors. Stuver<\/a> is Austin’s all-time appearance leader with 188 games (all competitions).
\nJayden Nelson: The pacy forward joined Austin over the winter via trade<\/a> from Vancouver Whitecaps FC<\/a>. Nelson<\/a> is pushing to make Canada’s World Cup squad.
\nIlie S\u00e1nchez: The Verde & Black captain is at his third MLS club, following previous stops at Sporting Kansas City<\/a> and LAFC.<\/p>\n