Inter Miami vs Philadelphia Union Tonight: Live Stream, Kickoff Time & Messi Showdown

The Major League Soccer spotlight swings to Subaru Park on Saturday, 24 May 2025, when Inter Miami CF travel north to challenge the Philadelphia Union in a primetime Eastern Conference clash scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (Apple TV – MLS Season Pass). Inter Miami arrive with headline magnet Lionel Messi back in the match-day squad after a brief rest, aiming to snap a two-game skid that has cooled the Herons’ electric start to 2025. Phil Neville’s side still boasts the league’s most potent attack, averaging 2.4 goals per match, thanks to the free-scoring trio of Messi, Luis Suárez, and Leonardo Campana. Yet defensive lapses—11 goals conceded in their last five outings—have left Miami vulnerable on the road. Philadelphia, meanwhile, have quietly pieced together a five-match unbeaten run at home, turning Subaru Park into a fortress behind Andre Blake’s shot-stopping heroics and a midfield anchored by José Martínez. Jim Curtin’s men sit just three points behind Miami in the standings and know a victory would vault them into the conference’s top two. The Union also have revenge on their minds after last season’s Leagues Cup semi-final defeat to the Floridians, a match in which Messi struck twice. Key storylines to watch • Messi vs. Blake: The GOAT’s precision finishing faces MLS’s most decorated goalkeeper. Blake owns an 81 percent save rate in 2025—second-best in the league. • Midfield battle: Newly signed Miami playmaker Federico Redondo squares off against Jack McGlynn’s progressive passing. Whichever pivot controls tempo should dictate possession. • Set-piece supremacy: Philadelphia have bagged seven goals from corners and free kicks this year, while Miami have allowed five—most in MLS. Projected starting XIs Philadelphia Union (4-4-2 diamond): Blake; Mbaizo, Glesnes, Elliott, Wagner; Martínez; McGlynn, Flach; Gazdag; Carranza, Uhre. Inter Miami (4-3-3): Callender; Yedlin, Avilés, Kryvtsov, Alba; Redondo, Busquets, Gómez; Messi, Suárez, Campana. Injury report • Philadelphia: Julián Carranza (ankle) and Kai Wagner (hamstring) cleared to play after limited training sessions. • Inter Miami: Jordi Alba listed questionable but traveled; Nicolás Freire (ACL) remains out for season. How to watch & live stream U.S. viewers can stream Union vs. Inter Miami exclusively on Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass. Spanish-language commentary is also available through the platform’s SAP option. Local radio coverage airs on WIP 94.1 FM (PHI) and WQBA 1140 AM (MIA). Betting odds & prediction Sportsbooks list the Union as narrow +145 home favorites, with Miami at +170 and the draw +250. Expect fireworks: the over/under is set at 3.5 goals. Given Miami’s defensive frailties and Philly’s set-piece prowess, a 2-2 stalemate feels plausible, though Messi magic could easily tilt the balance. Why this match matters With the season approaching its midpoint, conference positioning, Supporters’ Shield ambitions and bragging rights all hang in the balance. Philadelphia can assert themselves as genuine title contenders; Miami can silence whispers that their early dominance was schedule-driven. Either way, Saturday night promises drama, goals and a ratings bonanza—exactly the recipe MLS envisioned when Messi landed stateside.