Currently sitting third in the Eastern Conference, Miami is hoping to build some momentum and take on a Los Verdes<\/a> side looking for its first win in three games, following a scoreless draw against the dominant LAFC<\/a> in its last contest. <\/p>\n Here\u2019s Sports Illustrated\u2019s guide to the matchup.<\/p>\n Inter Miami vs. Austin FC Score Prediction Lionel Messi (left), Luis Su\u00e1rez (right), and Inter Miami had the chance to train at Nu Stadium on Thursday. | Inter Miami <\/p>\n Inter Miami Seeking Stadium-Opening Victory<\/p>\n Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano told reporters that he doesn\u2019t want his team to be \u201cdistracted\u201d or caught up in the \u201cemotion\u201d of opening Nu Stadium, which features the Leo Messi Stand, among other elements. Nevertheless, the Herons will look to do the moment justice by earning three points. <\/p>\n Messi played significant minutes with Argentina over the break, but is expected to still play a central role in the match and additional festivities, while the $15 million offseason signing, Germ\u00e1n Berterame, is desperate to get on the board this season, still awaiting his first goal after seven matches across all competitions. <\/p>\n Nu Stadium: Moving to a new ground is always special, and it will be a remarkable day for the club as they unveil it. Yet, they will want to send fans home happy with a win, given the stadium remains unfinished, and traffic is expected to be a significant concern. De Paul\u2019s Intensity: Rodrigo De Paul has had an underwhelming season with Miami, and Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni was adamant that no one is safe on the World Cup roster. Could De Paul be left off?Striker Question: Inter Miami is still adjusting to Berterame. Is this a team that simply thrives without a star striker? If he continues to struggle, could they offload him to add another DP <\/a>star?<\/p>\n Prediction: Inter Miami 3\u20131 Austin FC<\/p>\n Inter Miami Predicted Lineup vs. Austin FC How Inter Miami could line up against Austin FC. | FotMob<\/p>\n Despite several players taking on signficant playing time over the international break, expect Javier Mascherano to field a first-choice lineup for the first match at Nu Stadium, highlighted by Lionel Messi\u2019s inclusion in midfield. <\/p>\n While Messi has thrived as a striker with Miami, it remains critical for the club to get Berterame scoring, and the new stadium\u2019s first match could be the perfect opportunity for the Mexico international to end his drought. After being dropped for Tadeo Allende in the 3\u20132 win over New York City FC, Berterame will also be aware of the pressure he is under. <\/p>\n In midfield, expect De Paul to draw back into the lineup alongside Yannick Bright, as the default pivot returns, despite a strong showing from David Ayala in the NYCFC matchup. <\/p>\n Meanwhile, Ian Fray, fresh off World Cup qualification heartbreak with Jamaica, will start at right back in place of Facundo Mora, who trained separately with a knock on Thursday. It is also unclear whether Sergio Reguil\u00f3n is ready to go for this match at left back. In the heart of defense, Gonzalo Luj\u00e0n keeps his role alongside Micael after both scored against NYCFC, as Maxi Falc\u00f3n continues to recover from injury. <\/p>\n![\"Inter](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/01kn9744y0f93x0w989w.jpg\" "\\"Inter")
<\/p>\n![\"Inter](\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_0,h_0\/c_fill,w_16,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images\/voltaxMediaLibrary\/mmsport\/si\/01kn95q9nkcyxgs5kb20.png\" "\\"Inter")
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![\"Austin](\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_0,h_0\/c_fill,w_16,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images\/voltaxMediaLibrary\/mmsport\/si\/01kn96enkzxpynd2fjg1.png\" "\\"Austin")
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