Inter Miami vs Nashville SC Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | MLS 2025 playoff match

Playoff matches are underway in the MLS!

Inter Miami return home with tension hanging in the air as the series reaches its final stop. Nashville’s 2-1 win in the previous match forced this deciding contest, and both sides understand that nothing remains to hide or hold back.

Miami now face a sudden adjustment, as Luis Suárez will sit out after receiving a suspension for his reaction late in Game 2. His absence removes a sharp finishing presence from their attack.

However, Lionel Messi continues to shape Miami’s hopes. He scored late in the last match, and he will now carry a heavier attacking load. The Argentine great will link play and control the tempo for long stretches.

Nashville will arrive encouraged after Sam Surridge and Josh Bauer scored in the victory that kept the series alive. They press with direct intent and look confident in tight spaces. Miami’s previous control of this matchup means little now. The night calls for nerve, clarity, and execution.

NO MERCY THEN ⏮️NO MERCY NOW ⏭️😤 pic.twitter.com/ZUnz6KRztB

— Nashville SC (@NashvilleSC) November 5, 2025

Kick-off:

• Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States
• Stadium: Chase Stadium
• Date and Kickoff time: Nov 9, 6:30 AM IST
• Referee: Not decided
• VAR: In Use

Form:

Inter Miami CF (in all competitions): L-W-W-W-W

Nashville SC (in all competitions): W-L-L-D-W

Players to watch out for:

Lionel Messi (Inter Miami):

Lionel Messi steps into this match carrying Miami’s creative and scoring burden. With Suárez suspended, Messi becomes the heartbeat of every attacking move. His ability to control tempo, slip past pressure, and produce decisive moments under tension makes him the clear player to watch.

Miami’s hopes will run directly through him. The Argentine maestro has already scored 29 goals and provided 16 assists in 28 games this season.

Timeless. Leo Messi, your 2025 @MLS Golden Boot Winner 🏆 pic.twitter.com/ZwXlljJ4fu

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 25, 2025

Sam Surridge (Nashville SC):

Sam Surridge will enter this match with confidence after scoring in the previous game. His movement inside the box troubles defenders, and he thrives on quick service in transition. Nashville will look to Sam to turn half-chances into goals. If Miami leave space, Surridge has the instincts to punish them. He has already scored 25 goals and provided five assists in 36 games in MLS so far this season.

Wow. Just wow.Sam Surridge, that is special 🪄@opencup | #NSHvPHL pic.twitter.com/0PWNl7XdEk

— Nashville SC (@NashvilleSC) September 17, 2025

Match Facts:

• Inter Miami will be without star forward Luis Suárez, who received a one-match suspension from the MLS Disciplinary Committee for violent conduct during Game 2. This is a massive blow to Miami’s attack and places heavy pressure on Lionel Messi to deliver the goals needed for victory.
• Nashville’s Game 2 victory snapped a 10-match winless streak against Inter Miami that dated back to Messi’s arrival in 2023. Now, they aim to secure their first playoff series win against Miami by building on their momentum and Miami’s key absence.
• The match is a winner-take-all Game 3 at Chase Stadium. Miami faces the pressure of avoiding a second straight first-round exit after losing a decisive home Game 3 last season. All the pressure sits on the Herons to respond and advance.

Inter Miami CF vs Nashville SC Betting Tips and Odds:

• Both teams to score: 1.48 as per 1xBet.
• Inter Miami to win: 1.96 as per 1Win.
• Over 2.5 goals: 1.61 as per Winmatch.

Team News:

Inter Miami enter this match knowing they must adjust quickly. David Ruiz remains out with a hamstring problem that keeps him sidelined until mid-November 2025, and Ryan Sailor continues knee rehabilitation that runs into mid-December 2025. Luis Suárez serves a suspension, so Lionel Messi carries the weight of creation and finishing. The team will lean on his rhythm and decision-making under pressure.

Nashville arrive with their own concerns. Daniel Lovitz continues recovery from an ankle issue that keeps him out until early December 2025, which forces adjustments down the left. Jonathan Perez works his way back from a thigh injury, with a return expected in mid-November 2025. Julian Gaines follows a similar timeline, and that leaves Nashville slightly thinner in wide areas.

Head-To-Head stats:

• Total matches: 18
• Inter Miami CF won: 8
• Nashville SC won: 5
• Draws: 5

Predicted Starting Lineups:

Inter Miami CF Predicted Starting Lineup (4-4-2):

R. Ríos Novo; I. Fray, N. Allen, M. Falcón, J. Alba; T. Allende, R. De Paul, S. Busquets, B. Rodríguez; L. Messi, Fafa Picault

Nashville SC Predicted Starting Lineup (4-3-3):

J. Wills; J. Bauer, W. Zimmerman, J. Palacios, A. Najar; M. Corcoran, E. Tagseth, P. Yazbek; A. Muyl, S. Surridge, H. Mukhtar

Match Prediction:

Inter Miami enter this match with confidence, even without Luis Suárez. The home crowd adds edge and urgency, and Lionel Messi leads the attack with clear purpose. Nashville must defend with discipline, yet the pressure of sustained possession could wear them down. Miami appear stronger and more settled, giving them the advantage here.

Prediction: Inter Miami CF 2-1 Nashville SC

Telecast Details:

MLS 2025 matches are available to stream Worldwide on Apple TV+

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