Inter Miami could have their stars back as they face a mid-week battle against an Eastern Conference rival.
Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez are both expected to return to action as Inter Miami hosts Atlanta United on Wednesday, May 29 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Messi, Suarez, and Sergio Busquets all stayed home last weekend for Inter Miami's trip to Vancouver, which saw Gerardo Martino's squad still find a way to win 2-1 on the road.
Now, Martino faces his former club which is going through a tough time early this season. Atlanta coach Gonzalo Pineda is on the hot seat with just 13 points from 14 games, and five points outside of the last playoff spot. Goalscoring has been a problem, with just 17 goals this year and only three from Thiago Almada. But Inter Miami allows plenty of goals, so this could be a confidence-boosting game for Atlanta United.
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For Inter Miami, they still need to win to stay above FC Cincinnati in first place in the table, making this a must-see match.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch it across the world, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
MORE: What MLS games are free on Apple TV this week?
What time does Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United kick off?
This MLS clash takes place on Wednesday, May 29 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. local time.
Here's how that time translates across all of the time zones in the United States:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Wed, May 29 | 7:30 p.m. |
| Central Time | Wed, May 29 | 6:30 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Wed, May 29 | 5:30 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Wed, May 29 | 4:30 p.m. |
| Alaska ST | Wed, May 29 | 3:30 p.m. |
| Hawaii ST | Wed, May 29 | 2:30 p.m. |
Where to watch Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United, live stream, TV channel
- Date: Wednesday, May 29, 2024
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT
- TV channel: None
- Streaming: MLS Season Pass from Apple TV
Fans can watch Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United and every league match this season via MLS Season Pass from Apple TV.
Fans can sign up for a seasonal subscription to MLS Season Pass for $69 for the remainder of the 2024 season (30% off original price of $99).
If Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United is not available to watch live in your location or if you’re traveling abroad, you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPNs offer a secure and private online connection, allowing you to bypass geographical restrictions to access your favorite streaming services from any device anywhere in the world.
WATCH FROM ANYWHERE: Sign up for NordVPN (30-day moneyback guarantee)
Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United lineups, team news
In addition to Messi and Suarez returning to the lineup, Federico Redondo made his long-awaited return from injury in the second half of Inter Miami's 2-1 win at Vancouver. With this game coming so soon afterwards, he likely won't start, but could be pointed towards a start this Saturday, which can help give Sergio Busquets a break.
Ian Fray's return to training is also another boost for the club's backline, which will be under pressure from Atlanta United's star forwards on Wednesday.
Inter Miami projected starting lineup (4-3-3): Callender (GK) — Weigandt, Aviles, Kryvtsov, Alba — Gressel, Busquets, Cremaschi — Messi, Suarez, Rojas.
Inter Miami subs (9): (Lineups released one hour prior to kickoff)
The two attacking stars for Atlanta United, Georgios Giakoumakis and Thiago Almada have both struggled with injuries of late. Giakoumakis suffered a concussion two weeks ago and has been missing since, while Almada is missing due to a calf injury.
The club has been cagey about their availability, so that will be one to watch in the run-up to the match. Almada should be good to go having come off the bench over the weekend, but Giakoumakis is a doubt amidst reports of a possible exit this summer. Defender Noah Cobb will miss time due to an ankle injury as well.
Goalkeeper Brad Guzan will be feeling the pressure after backup Josh Cohen kept a clean sheet against Charleston Battery in the U.S. Open Cup last week and then made a key save to win the penalty shootout. Cohen will get another chance here with Guzan suspended due to a straight red card last time out against LAFC.
Atlanta United projected starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Cohen (GK) — Lennon, Abram, Gregersen, R. Hernandez — Slisz, Muyumba — Lobzhanidze, Almada, Wiley — Rios.
Atlanta United subs (9): (Lineups released one hour prior to kickoff)
Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United prediction
As we have seen all season, it's not a great idea to bet against Inter Miami when Messi is on the field, especially at home. With Messi in the starting lineup, Inter Miami has a record of 9-0-1, with an absurd 29 goals scored as a team. And Luis Suarez has often been the beneficiary, scoring 11 goals.
Inter Miami's attacking talent will likely be too much for Atlanta United, who will walk away with another defeat.
Prediction: Inter Miami 3-2 Atlanta United