It’s now or never—no room for mistakes, where individual talent can tilt the balance and define a team’s future in the 2025 MLS season. The last 90 minutes, which decide who advances to the semifinals, are near; it's a night that feels like a final for both sides. Inter Miami will host Nashville SC on Saturday at 10:00 p.m. (Brasília time) in the third and final game of their best-of-three MLS Playoffs series. The clash takes place at Chase Stadium in Miami.
In Game 1, it was smooth sailing for Messi and company, cruising to a 3–1 win. But there was no sweep in Game 2, as Nashville battled back with resilience and took a 2–1 victory. Now, all roads lead back to the Pink Shirts’ home, where the atmosphere is expected to be electric as Miami looks to seal a historic playoff berth.
This Game 3 defines the season for both sides. For Miami, advancing would reinforce its status as a contender and live up to expectations. For Nashville, a win would prove they can compete at a higher level—but every mistake could be costly. Historically, Miami has the upper hand at home, which increases the pressure on the visitors.
The formula: For Miami—start strong, control possession, and manage the lead. For Nashville—attack early and take risks. Every detail could be decisive.
Inter Miami's Form
Inter Miami enter with the psychological advantage of playing at home and with solid historical numbers in this matchup.
Led by Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Lionel Messi, the team is managed by Javier Mascherano, who is under pressure from the club’s board to deliver results and lead Miami to the Eastern Conference Playoffs for the first time in franchise history.
However, there are concerns: Luis Suárez’s suspension and the defensive mistakes that cost them dearly in Game 2. The presence of Messi remains the trump card — the Argentine scored in the last match and knows the responsibility grows even more now.
Nashville SC Form
Nashville faces a colossal challenge: eliminate Messi and Alba on the road and knock out one of the tournament favorites to stay alive.
The team has shown surprising resilience, winning Game 2 at home to change the momentum of the series. The attacking duo of Sam Surridge (scorer of key goals) and Hany Mukhtar leads the charge, while the team relies on quick counterattacks to threaten Miami. Still, travel fatigue and playing away from home are hurdles they’ll need to overcome.
Probable Lineups
Inter Miami (Probable 4-2-3-1):
Ríos Novo; Ian Fray, Maximiliano Falcón, Noah Allen, and Jordi Alba; Tadeo Allende, Rodrigo De Paul, Sergio Busquets, and Baltasar Rodríguez; Lionel Messi and Fafa Picault.
Head coach: Javier Mascherano.
Ryan Sailor (knee injury) and David Ruiz (tendon injury) are Miami’s only injured absentees. Without the suspended Luis Suárez, however, Mascherano will need to find a way to avoid overloading the attack — Messi and Alba will lead. Still, support and movement from teammates will be crucial in building plays and maintaining a balanced approach.
Nashville SC (Probable 4-3-3):
Joe Willis; Josh Bauer, Walker Zimmerman, Jeison Palacios, Andy Najar; Matthew Corcoran, Edvard Tagseth, and Patrick Yazbek; Alex Muyl, Sam Surridge, and Hany Mukhtar. Head coach: Brian Callaghan.
Callaghan will be without three players: Daniel Lovitz (ankle injury), Jonathan Pérez (thigh injury), and Julian Gaines (muscle injury). Despite the absences, the squad remains confident after a strong Game 2 performance.
Expectations and Key Players: Messi and Alba Lead the Way
Miami enters as the favorites — with home advantage, a history of success against Nashville, and, of course, Messi. Still, Nashville has already proven they’re no pushovers. The emotional factor could make the difference: Miami must manage nerves and avoid repeating costly errors.
As always, Messi will be in the spotlight. If he dictates the tempo early, the match could shift in favor of the hosts. For Nashville, precision, defensive recovery, and attacking efficiency will be key. It promises to be a tense, emotional duel where the winner must truly earn it.
Match Information
- Match: Inter Miami vs Nashville SC (Game 3, MLS Playoffs First Round)
- Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
- Time: 08:00 p.m. (Local EST time)
- Venue: Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale
- Broadcast: Apple TV+ (MLS Season Pass)
