Inter Miami will take on Charlotte FC in the final MLS regular season game for both sides, with Lionel Messi set to feature in the contest at Bank of America stadium.
The Herons’ postseason hopes have already been diminished as they cannot qualify for MLS Cup playoffs, but the home side (12th place, 40 points) can still punch their ticket with a win while also hoping that two of New York Red Bulls, CF Montreal and Chicago Fire above them in the Eastern Conference table lose or draw.
With Miami not having much to play for and looking ahead to the 2024 season, here’s how head coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino might choose to line up Saturday night…
GK: Drake Callender – Not much of a decision to be made here. Miami’s No. 1 gets the nod in between the sticks.
RB: DeAndre Yedlin – The Herons’ best option at right-back despite his struggling form in recent games.
CB: Tomas Aviles – More minutes are in store for the young defender.
CB: Kamal Miller – Miami’s experienced leader in defense will lead the backline in their final outing of the season.
LB: Jordi Alba – After a 30 minute appearance in the reverse fixture on Wednesday, his first minutes since September 20, the former Spain international will feature from the jump.
CM: Gregore – Martino will call on the former club captain to assess his midfield options ahead of the 2024 season after the 30-year-old inked a new deal with the club.
CM: Sergio Busquets – It seems as if Busquets will never get a break. The 35-year-old has played 10 consecutive 90 minute games since the 0-0 draw with Nashville SC on August 30.
CM: Benja Cremaschi – The young, versatile player gets a chance to show his quality in the midfield.
RW: Lionel Messi – After playing the full 90 for Argentina against Peru, where netted twice, the legendary figure suits up to start one list time in 2023 for Miami in Major League Soccer.
ST: Leo Campana – He’s put in several impressive showings in recent weeks and he looks set to take over the starting role up front in 2024 from Josef Martinez.
LW: Facundo Farias – More experience is on the cards for the electric, skillful winger after he received his first senior call-up for Argentina.
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