Today, D.C. United play their second home match of the season, hosting the star-studded Inter Miami at Audi Field.

Both teams come into this match in decent form as Miami enters the match on top of the Eastern Conference while D.C. sits in sixth. Though Miami leads the East, it’s only by a razor-thin margin despite being one of two teams with an extra game played than the rest of the league (having faced Real Salt Lake in the standalone MLS season opener). Miami only boasts seven of twelve possible points, while D.C. has earned five from a possible nine. It is an important match for both sides that would boost morale for either side’s likely conflicting early season outlooks.

D.C. United’s recent shift in philosophy under new head coach Troy Lesesne has helped them remain unbeaten in the first three matchdays, two of those games being very hard-fought away draws to the Portland Timbers and FC Cincinnati. Having to play without some big names in recent weeks, the entire D.C. squad has dug deep to earn results. The biggest of those missing players looks likely to return as Christian Benteke seems set to play for the first time since his injury in warmups on matchday two. Even with their star player back, that extra effort and readiness to fight for the team shown in his absence will be crucial to a result against Miami.

Inter Miami has been the talk of the league since it acquired Lionel Messi and his former Barcelona teammates, who joined in tow. While they have put in some good performances so far, the Herons are likely to be more so disappointed than satisfied with their start to the season. 

The most significant factor in the underwhelming performances for a team with players of such caliber has been the consistent injuries and fatigue that have affected their stars so far this year. Having to play Concacaf Champions Cup matches in addition to league games has taken a toll on the players. 

Messi wasn’t present for the Montréal clash that handed Miami their first league loss this season, as he picked up an injury in a midweek Cup match against Nashville. However, he returned to training later that week and played in the reverse fixture. Getting Miami off to a flying start with a goal and an assist, the Argentine came off the pitch in the 50′ after some discomfort in his hamstring. Inter Miami head coach Tata Martino had essentially ruled Messi out for the match against D.C. immediately following Miami’s win. Officially listed as out in the matchday injury report, there’s a very slim chance the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will play any part in the nation’s capital (I only refrain from saying there’s a 0% chance of his inclusion for my own piece of mind). Although this is a huge blow to Miami – and all in attendance – it is another boost for D.C.’s chances.

While Messi’s absence helps D.C., you still must consider the quality and star power still at Inter Miami’s disposal. With the likes of Luis Suarez in attack, Sergio Busquets in midfield, Jordi Alba in defense, and many more quality players, D.C. still have their work cut out for them. It will be a good test for Lesesne’s men.

Key Player(s): The Backline

The entire United defense will be key in this matchup. Playing very well so far this season, the D.C. backline has looked much calmer and more composed than last season. While Lucas Bartlett’s substitution after a knock in D.C.’s last match against FC Cincinnati showed a less stable backline, he is not listed in the D.C. injury report. Excellent work ethic from the team and determination from the defenders, as well as a masterclass from Alex Bono, were key in stopping the Argentinian playmaker who was named last season’s league MVP. While the United backline won’t have to deal with another Argentinean playmaker – this one widely considered the MVP of the entire sport’s history – Miami has many other players that will be keeping the D.C. defenders busy.

Watch out for: The Barça Boys

While Miami has many integral pieces aside from its host of former Barcelona players, you just can’t not highlight them going into whatever match they’re playing. Each being considered all-timers in their respective positions; the things Suarez, Busquets, and Alba are capable of are of a different class. 

D.C. United Availability:

Out: Steven Birnbaum (knee), Tyler Miller (shoulder), Garrison Tubbs (Thigh)

Questionable: Russell Canouse (ankle), Ted KuDi-Pietro (knee)

Inter Miami Availability:

Out: Benjamin Cremaschi (sports hernia), Facundo Farias (knee), Ian Fray (knee), Franco Negri (knee), Robbie Robinson (knee), Lionel Messi (hamstring)

Location: Audi Field, Washington, D.C.

Kickoff Time: 2:00 p.m. ET

Referee: Lorenzo Hernandez

Available streaming: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV