In a thrilling display of determination and skill, Inter Miami faced off against Nashville SC in a critical playoff match on November 8, 2025. The stakes were high, compounded by the absence of star forward Luis Suarez, who was suspended for a red card infraction. This match marked the third in their firstround playoff series, with Miami hoping to continue its playoff journey.
Game Overview
The atmosphere at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale was electric. Inter Miami, boasting the most expensive roster in MLS history, aimed to avoid a repeat of last year’s early playoff exit. Head coach Javier Mascherano emphasized the team’s commitment to success this season.
A Familiar Rival
Miami had faced Nashville SC multiple times recently. In their previous encounters, Miami won 52 during the regular season finale and claimed a 31 victory in Game 1 of the playoffs. However, a setback occurred with a loss in Game 2, leading to the necessity of this decisive Game 3.
Roster Changes
Due to the red card suspension imposed on Suarez by the MLS Disciplinary Committee, 19yearold Mateo Silvetti stepped up to start in his place. Silvetti joined the team in late August and was eager to contribute. The complete starting lineup for Inter Miami included:
- Rocco Rios Novo
- Ian Fray
- Maxi Falcon
- Noah Allen
- Jordi Alba
- Sergio Busquets
- Rodrigo De Paul
- Tadeo Allende
- Baltasar Rodriguez
- Lionel Messi (Team Captain)
Messi, the league’s Golden Boot winner, remained crucial to the team’s strategy against Nashville. Miami’s bench included key players such as Oscar Ustari, Marcelo Weigandt, and Fafa Picault, ready to make an impact when called upon.
Nashville’s Lineup
Nashville SC also brought a strong roster to the field, featuring players like:
- Joe Willis
- Jack Maher
- Josh Bauer
- Walker Zimmerman (Team Captain)
- Andy Najar
- Patrick Yazbek
- Sam Surridge
- Matthew Corcoran
- Alex Muyl
- Hany Mukhtar
Next Steps
The winner of this match would advance to play FC Cincinnati in the Eastern Conference semifinals, scheduled for the weekend of November 2223. Cincinnati had secured their place by defeating Columbus Crew 21 in their Game 3.
This match not only held significance for playoff advancement but also represented a chance for Inter Miami to showcase their growth and determination after a challenging season.