The highly anticipated MLS Cup Playoffs Round One Game 1 between Inter Miami vs Nashville SC is set for Friday, October 24, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET, hosted at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This best-of-three series opener pits the third-seeded Herons, fresh off clinching the Supporters’ Shield, against the sixth-seeded Boys in Gold, who earned their spot with a gritty regular-season finish.
Inter Miami enters the playoffs on a high, having secured the 2025 Supporters’ Shield with 65 points and a dominant 3-0 win over Nashville on Decision Day, where Lionel Messi notched a hat trick to clinch the Golden Boot.
The team announced roster moves, including the extension of key contracts, but faces injury challenges with Telasco Segovia (ankle), Fafa Picault (hip), Benjamín Rodríguez (hamstring), and Allen Obando (hamstring) all sidelined until mid-October or later, while David Ruiz remains out long-term.
Nashville SC wrapped up the regular season sixth in the East with 54 points, clinching their playoff berth after a hard-fought campaign that included a recent shutout victory.
Updates include the return of some players from international duty, but injuries persist with Ahmed Qasem (ankle, questionable), Jonathan Perez (thigh, questionable), Julian Gaines (thigh), and Wyatt Meyer sidelined, testing their depth as they head into this road test against the league’s top seed.
Inter Miami vs Nashville Match Preview
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With Inter Miami hosting the first leg of this Eastern Conference Round One series, the Herons aim to leverage their home dominance and Messi’s form to take a commanding lead, while Nashville seeks an upset to shift momentum ahead of Game 2 at GEODIS Park.
Expect a tactical battle, with Miami’s attack overwhelming Nashville’s resilient defense in a potentially high-stakes opener.
- Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Stadium: Chase Stadium
- Date: Friday, Oct. 24
- Kick-Off Time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
- Final Score: Inter Miami 3-1 Nashville
Team News and Analysis
Inter Miami CF will miss several players due to injuries, including Segovia, Picault, Rodríguez, Obando, and Ruiz, forcing reliance on depth in midfield and attack.
Coach Javier Mascherano has emphasized rest for stars like Messi post-Decision Day heroics, with the team’s league-best 72 goals highlighting their offensive edge despite absences.
Nashville SC has question marks over Qasem and Perez, plus confirmed outs like Gaines and Meyer, impacting their backline.
Their recent form shows defensive grit, conceding just one goal in the last three games, but facing Miami’s firepower will test Walker Zimmerman’s leadership in a must-not-lose road game.
Inter Miami vs Nashville Head-to-Head Record
Inter Miami CF holds the advantage in the head-to-head, with 7 wins to Nashville’s 4 and 5 draws across 16 meetings. Matches average 2.88 goals, often competitive.
Their most recent clash on October 18, 2025, ended 3-0 to Inter Miami, with Messi’s hat trick sealing the Supporters’ Shield.
| Date | Competition | Result | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 18, 2025 | MLS Regular Season | Inter Miami 3-0 Nashville SC | Chase Stadium |
| (Historical Average) | MLS | Inter Miami Wins: 7, Draws: 5, Nashville Wins: 4 | Various |
Inter Miami vs Nashville Predicted XI Lineups
Inter Miami CF Predicted XI (4-4-2):
Callender; Fray, Allen, Falcón, Alba; De Paul, Bright, Busquets, Segovia; Messi, Suárez.
This diamond formation maximizes Messi’s creativity and Suárez’s finishing, with Busquets shielding the defense.
Nashville SC Predicted XI (4-4-2):
Willis; Najar, Zimmerman, Maher, Lovitz; Shaffelburg, Muyl, Godoy, Boyd; Mukhtar, Surridge.
Nashville’s setup focuses on midfield solidity with Mukhtar pulling strings for counters.
Key Players
For Inter Miami CF, Lionel Messi is the talisman after his hat trick, leading with 20 goals and 15 assists, while Luis Suárez adds proven playoff experience with his physicality.
Nashville SC counts on Hany Mukhtar for playmaking (12 goals, 10 assists) and Walker Zimmerman for defensive organization, crucial against Miami’s stars.
Inter Miami vs Nashville Match Prediction
Inter Miami CF is favored to win 3-1, building on their recent dominance and home advantage, with a 65% chance of victory in Game 1. Expect over 2.5 goals given the offensive firepower, setting up an intense series.
Where to Watch Inter Miami vs Nashville MLS
In the USA, the Inter Miami CF vs Nashville SC playoff match streams exclusively on Apple TV via MLS Season Pass. Coverage starts at 8:00 PM ET, with English and Spanish commentary. For live scores and highlights, check MLSsoccer.com or ESPN.
