Enemy Scouting Report - Inter Miami
(image via Inter Miami CF)
The Houston Dynamo’s 2025 home opener didn’t go as they had hoped. To be fair, it wasn’t the result fans wanted either, especially those who endured the cold and rainy matchday. Costly mistakes allowed FC Dallas to capitalize, flipping the scoreboard to leave Shell Energy Stadium with all three points to start the season.
Despite the disappointing outcome, the Dynamo performed well considering the numerous lineup changes due to departures and injuries. Now, Houston faces an even bigger challenge against Inter Miami, who will be eager to avenge their 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final loss.
Containing Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Busquets will be crucial, as their chemistry and experience can dictate the game. Messi’s playmaking and finishing ability, Suárez’s lethal presence in the box, and Busquets’ control in midfield will test Houston’s defensive structure.
However, Miami will be coming off a midweek CONCACAF Champions Cup match against Sporting Kansas City, which could work in Houston’s favor. Fatigue and potential squad rotation might impact Miami’s performance, giving the Dynamo an opportunity to capitalize with high energy and a disciplined defensive approach. Pressing Miami’s midfield and staying organized at the back will be key to neutralizing their attacking trio and securing a positive result.
Inter Miami Record: 0W-1D-0L
Results in the last 30 days:
February 2 - Sporting San Miguelito 1-3 Inter Miami (Preseason)
February 8 - Olimpia 0-5 Inter Miami (Preseason)
February 14 - Orlando City SC 2-2 Inter Miami (Preseason)
February 19 - Sporting Kansas City 0-1 Inter Miami (Champions Cup)
February 22 - Inter Miami 2-2 New York City FC (MLS)
February 25 - Inter Miami 3-1 Sporting Kansas City (Champions Cup)
Last Match Staring XI (from fotmob.com)
2025 Roster
Goalkeepers: Drake Callender, Oscar Ustari, Rocco Rios Novo
Defenders: Gonzalo Luján, Tomás Aviles, David Martínez, Ryan Sailor, Ian Fray, Jordi Alba, Tyler Hall, Noah Allen, Maximiliano Falcón, Marcelo Weigandt, Israel Boatwright
Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Telasco Segovia, Robert Taylor, Julián Gressel, Benjamin Cremaschi, David Ruiz, Yannick Bright, Federico Redondo, Santiago Morales
Forwards: Fafa Picault, Luis Saurez, Lionel Messi, Tadeo Allende, Leo Afonso
Can the Houston Dynamo take advantage of a potentially fatigued Inter Miami and secure their first win of the season, or will Messi and company prove too much to handle?
