Inter Miami vs. D.C. United: Messi Returns as Miami Seeks Win
Inter Miami hosts D.C. United on Oct. 11 as Lionel Messi returns to training. Miami’s five-game winless run raises the stakes at Nu Stadium.
With the MLS regular season entering its closing stretch, Inter Miami needs a win to steady its push near the top of the Eastern Conference. The club is scheduled to host D.C. United at Nu Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, with kickoff listed for 7:30 p.m. local time, or 6:30 a.m. WIB in Indonesia.
Inter Miami sits third with 46 points from 27 games, while D.C. United is 11th with 30 points from 26 matches. The game is available on Apple TV. For both clubs, the result could shape their position as they pursue their respective playoff goals.
Miami’s strong record meets a recent slump
The home side has not lost to D.C. United in its past five meetings, winning four and drawing one. Its recent form, however, has been far less convincing: Inter Miami has drawn four times and lost once in its last five matches.
The latest defeat came before the international break, when Miami fell 2-1 to Columbus Crew. It was the club’s 10th loss. The team now needs to turn its head-to-head advantage into points if it is to hold its place near the top of the Eastern Conference.
D.C. United also comes into the match seeking a lift. Coach Rene Weiler’s side drew 3-3 with Vancouver Whitecaps and remains 11th, with 30 points. A positive result would help its effort to improve its position and keep its playoff hopes alive.
Messi is back in training, but availability is unclear
Lionel Messi has returned to training with Inter Miami’s first team after representing Argentina. He came back to Florida after Argentina’s 3-0 win over Benin, in which Messi scored from a penalty and helped create two goals.
The available information does not confirm whether Messi will play against D.C. United. His return to training gives Miami’s attack a boost, but the team’s plans for the match remain uncertain.
He has scored 21 goals and recorded 13 assists in league play this season, placing him near the top of both statistical charts. Miami will be looking to its 39-year-old forward as it tries to break out of its winless run.
The fixture also comes with a transit offer for fans. Inter Miami is selling round-trip Tri-Rail tickets for $10 to the Miami Intermodal Center for the club’s remaining home matches in 2026. Each ticket includes $10 in food and drink credit, redeemable at guest services near Section 101 of the stadium.
The club’s match announcement lists kickoff at 7:30 p.m. local time; the time published for Indonesian viewers is 6:30 a.m. WIB. Miami’s last five meetings with D.C. United have produced four wins and one draw.
Source: rakyatpos.id
