Inter Miami vs DC United Live: Messi’s Return, Kick-Off Time, Streaming Links & Must-Know Storylines

Inter Miami travel to Audi Field tonight to face DC United in a pivotal MLS regular-season clash scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. PT) on Saturday, August 23, 2025. The match is available worldwide on Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass and will also air locally on ESPN 106.3 FM (English) and Deportes Radio 760 AM (Spanish). Inter Miami’s momentum • Record: 13-5-6, 45 pts (2nd in Eastern Conference) • Last two results: 3-1 win vs LA Galaxy; 2-1 Leagues Cup quarter-final win vs Tigres UANL • Goals: League-leading 53, powered by Lionel Messi (19 goals), Nicolás Allende (7), Matías Segovia (7) and Luis Suárez (6). DC United’s crisis • Record: 4-15-8, 20 pts (15th in East) • Winless in nine (0-8-1) and conceding MLS-worst 59 goals • New head coach René Weiler steadied the ship with a 1-1 draw at CF Montréal last weekend; Christian Benteke leads the Black-and-Red with eight goals. In-form stars to watch • Lionel Messi: listed day-to-day with a minor muscle issue but traveled; if he starts, expect a targeting battle with DC center-back Andrew Rowles. • Luis Suárez: coming off a two-goal night against Tigres; exploits DC’s high line. • Christian Benteke: aerial threat versus Miami’s makeshift back line that is missing Drake Callender (groin) and could be without Jordi Alba (hamstring). Projected starting XIs DC United (3-5-2): Barraza; Schnegg, Rowles, MacNaughton; Antley, Hopkins, Servania, Peltola, Herrera; Pirani, Benteke. Inter Miami (4-2-3-1): Ustari; Weigandt, Falcon, Luján, Allen; Busquets, Cremaschi; Allende, Segovia, Picault; Suárez. Key matchup Sergio Busquets vs. Cristian Pirani: Miami’s tempo-setter against DC’s lone creative spark. If Busquets dictates play, the visitors should dominate possession and chances. Playoff implications Inter Miami are seven points behind conference leaders FC Cincinnati but hold three games in hand; three points in Washington keep Supporters’ Shield hopes alive. DC United, dead last, need a shock result to avoid early mathematical elimination. Prediction Inter Miami 3-1 DC United — the Herons’ firepower overwhelms MLS’s leakiest defense even if Messi starts on the bench. Over 2.5 goals is the smart betting play. How to watch live • Streaming: Apple TV MLS Season Pass (no blackout restrictions) • Radio: ESPN 106.3 FM (EN), Deportes 760 AM (ES) • Tickets: limited seats remain via Ticketmaster and the Audi Field box office. SEO takeaways Fans searching for “Inter Miami vs DC United live stream,” “kickoff time,” “Audi Field tickets,” or “Lionel Messi status tonight” will find all essential information above, boosting click-through rates and dwell time for match-day coverage.