Lionel Messi's eight goals have his new club Inter Miami, sitting bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference prior to his arrival, now on the precipice of the Leagues Cup final as they take on the Philadelphia Union in the semifinals.
This match will be a true test of Inter Miami's new strength, as the Union represent by far the biggest test for Messi since he's arrived in the United States.
Thus far, having downed Cruz Azul, Atlanta United, Orlando City, FC Dallas, and Charlotte FC, Inter Miami have mightily impressed in relation to how they performed before Messi's arrival, but they have not yet collected a top-tier scalp.
Philadelphia would represent exactly that, sitting third in the Eastern Conference a year removed from their finish atop the Eastern Conference followed by an appearance in the MLS Cup final. These 90 minutes will prove a true test for Inter Miami, who not only look for Leagues Cup glory, but will then attempt a mountainous playoff push through the rest of the MLS schedule.
LIVE BLOG: Follow along as Lionel Messi & Inter Miami meet the Philadelphia Union in the Leagues Cup
Philadelphia Union vs Inter Miami live stream, TV channel
The match from Subaru Park will kick off at 7 p.m. local time in Philadelphia in front of what is expected to be yet another sold-out crowd to watch Lionel Messi in action.
The match will be available around the world via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
| TV channel | Streaming | |
|---|---|---|
| Global | — | MLS Season Pass (Apple TV) |
What time does Philadelphia Union vs Inter Miami kick off?
This Leagues Cup semifinal from Subaru Park kicks off on Tuesday, August 15 at 7 p.m. local time in Chester, Pennsylvania.
Here's how that time translates across some of the major territories:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| USA | Tue, Aug. 15 | 7 p.m. ET |
| Canada | Tue, Aug. 15 | 7 p.m. ET |
| UK | Wed, Aug. 16 | 12 a.m. BST |
| Australia | Wed, Aug. 16 | 9 a.m. AEST |
| India | Wed, Aug. 16 | 4:30 a.m. IST |
| Hong Kong | Wed, Aug. 16 | 7 a.m. HKT |
| Malaysia | Wed, Aug. 16 | 7 a.m. MYT |
| Singapore | Wed, Aug. 16 | 7 a.m. SGT |
| New Zealand | Wed, Aug. 16 | 11 a.m. NZST |
Philadelphia Union vs Inter Miami lineups, team news
Jim Curtin has stuck with his three-CB system for this match despite the danger of Lionel Messi looming. Injuries have played a role in his team selection.
Up front, Daniel Gazdag missed the quarterfinal win over Queretaro with a knee sprain, but Curtin hinted Gazdag would be available, and he indeed starts. More concerning is the status of former Inter Miami striker Julian Carranza, who "felt something" in his hamstring and only makes the bench. He's replaced by Chris Donovan, whose late winner in the quarterfinals has Philadelphia here today.
Surprisingly, Jack McGlynn does not appear in the Philadelphia midfield, instead replaced by Leon Flach. 36-year-old captain Alejandro Bedoya is on the bench after returning to training after a quad strain, out since May.
Philadelphia Union confirmed starting lineup (3-5-2): Blake (GK) — Glesnes, Elliott, Lowe — Wagner, Bueno, J. Martinez, Flach, Wagner — Donovan, Gazdag.
Inter Miami's new superstar triumvirate Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba have all been fully integrated, and will only be sat from here on out for load management purposes.
Manager Gerardo 'Tata' Martino has, however, been eyeing one position for constant evaluation, being the striker spot. Josef Martinez hasn't been overwhelmingly impressive, and while Leonardo Campana assisted Messi's 86th minute goal last time out, Tata has stuck with Martinez for now.
The only injury absentees for Inter Miami are long-term absentees Gregore, Jean Mota, Corentin Jean, Franco Negri, and Ian Fray. Gregore could possibly return from his foot injury soon, but he will need to be built up to full match fitness.
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Inter Miami confirmed starting lineup (4-3-3): Callender (GK) — Yedlin, Kryvtsov, Miller, Alba — Arroyo, Busquets, Cremaschi — Messi, J. Martinez, Taylor.
Philadelphia Union vs Inter Miami betting odds, lines
Inter Miami are the favorites in this match once again, as they have been since Lionel Messi joined, but the margin is thinner here than it has been to date.
The Philadelphia Union, as an established MLS power at home, are given a clear chance to hand Messi and company their first defeat since the Argentine star joined the club. Goals are expected, as the total is pushed to 3.5 given Messi's influence on the side — Inter Miami have scored 17 goals in Messi's five matches since joining.
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| Union win (90 mins) | Draw (90 mins) | Miami win (90 mins) | Both teams to score Y / N | Over / Under 3.5 goals | PHI advance | MIA advance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM (USA) | +185 | +270 | +115 | -210 / +145 | +125 / -175 | +105 | -150 |
| Sports Interaction (Canada) | +181 | +251 | +109 | — | +123 / -169 | — | — |
| Dafabet (India) | 2.95 | 3.70 | 2.19 | 1.48 / 2.60 | — | — | — |
