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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

Patrick Mahomes has hinted that he will be courtside to watch the Sporting KC-Inter Miami tie on Saturday, teasing a coveted link-up with Lionel Messi. The Kansas City side returns to the Chiefs’ home, the Arrowhead Stadium, after 28 years. Mahomes would cheer on KC as their minority owner. Sporting KC blew their lead in their last game against the Portland Timbers to settle for a draw. Inter Miami also secured a draw against the Colorado Rapids by blowing a lead. Inter Miami will look to maintain their 3rd position or go up in the Eastern Conference table. Meanwhile, a home win could uplift KC from the sixth position in the West.

Inter Miami is the best goal-scoring team this season at present with 16 goals in eight matches. Notably, KC Current holds the third spot for scoring leaders with 12 goals in seven games. In the meantime, Miami’s scoring prowess will probably be on full display, as they look forward to getting past the recent disheartening exit from the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

Sporting KC vs Inter Miami: injuries, suspensions, and predicted lineups

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Sporting KC injuries and suspensions

The Kansas City-based side has Khiry Shelton on their injury list. The center forward is nursing an ankle injury and his date of return is unknown. KC does not have other injuries or suspensions to deal with before the Miami tie.

Sporting KC: expected starting XI

(4-3-3): Tim Melia; Jake Davis, Daniel Rosero, Robert Voloder, Tim Leibold; Remi Walter, Nemanja Radoja, Memo Rodriguez; Erik Thommy, William Agada, Daniel Salloi

Inter Miami injuries and suspensions

It has come to that Lionel Messi’s feature is dubious in most MLS games due to recurring injury woes. However, he recovered from his recent hamstring problem and came off the bench against Colorado in the MLS. He also played against Monterrey in the CCC. Hence, the Argentine would feature against KC. But the Herons have Ian Fray, Facundo Farias, Robbie Robinson, Federico Redondo, Sergiy Kryvstov, Yannick Bright, and Robert Taylor on their injury list.

Inter Miami: expected Startin XI

(4-3-3): Drake Callender; Tomas Aviles, Nicolas Freire, Franco Negri, Jordi Alba; Marcelo Weigandt, David Ruiz, Sergio Busquets; Leonardo Campana, Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi.

Sporting KC vs Inter Miami H2H and predictions

The two franchises are facing each other for only the second time in MLS history. They played their inaugural clash in September, last year at Inter Miami’s home. The host won 3-2 against KC. Though Sporting KC has a home advantage, they do not possess Miami’s scoring prowess. Besides, they have infamously conceded goals in the climax and blown early leads.

Therefore, we predict Inter Miami to win 2-1 against Sporting KC.

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READ MORE: From Daddy Yankee to Ilia Topuria: Celebrities Present to Witness Lionel Messi’s Return in Inter Miami vs. Colorado

Where to watch Messi and Co. visit Kansas City?

The match will kick off at 7.40 PM PT on Saturday. Fans can catch the match live on Apple TV with the MLS Season Pass.

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Share your predictions for the MLS tie in the comments below.

READ MORE: Patrick Mahomes ‘Fired Up’ for Kansas City History As Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami Will Face Sporting KC at Arrowhead Stadium