Predicting Inter Miami's starting XI for clash vs. DC United | OneFootball

As Inter Miami approaches its third game of the year, questions about team tactics have started to surface.

Taking a look at the team’s dramatic 4-2 victory over Orlando City last week, you’ll see a tale of two halves.

The first 45 for Miami were unlike any brand of football they’re known for, with the team looking dysfunctional and unable to stymie their opponent’s attack.

The second half was a different story, mainly thanks to Javier Mascherano’s tactical tinkering.

Now, looking ahead to the team’s match-up in our nation’s capital versus DC United, the Herons are at a bit of a crossroads.

When Miami won MLS Cup in December 2025, they did so playing a pacey brand of football that caused defensive fits for their opposition.

With Lionel Messi deployed as a false nine, Miami used the Argentine’s high soccer IQ, vision, and passing ability, combined with the speed and strength of their two wingers, Mateo Silvetti and Tadeo Allende, to strike in transition.

Now, in 2026, with the inclusion of a more natural striker in German Berterame, the Heron’s front line now looks a little different.

What worked in Orlando may not work against United, but it raises the question of whether there should (could) be a tactical overhaul for the Men in Pink this early in the season.

However, this weekend, we may not see that quite yet. Here is the predicted starting eleven when Inter Miami takes on DC United.

Goalkeeping/Defense

Orlando City SC v Inter Miami CF | Alex Menendez/GettyImages

Miami underwent a defensive revamp over the offseason. With Jordi Alba now retired and Oscar Ustari no longer with the team, the Herons needed to bring in quality not only in goal but in defense.

They did that and then some, acquiring the likes of Facundo Mura, Micael, and Dayne St. Clair in goal.

Despite some rocky performances during pre-season and the first two games of the year, Mascherano, historically, prefers to be consistent with his lineups until a change is immediately needed.

I don’t see him changing the defense significantly unless there’s an injury.

St. Clair; Facundo Mura, Maximilian Falcon, Micael, Noah Allen

Midfield

Orlando City SC v Inter Miami CF | Dustin Markland/GettyImages

Midfield is rather straightforward.

With Sergio Busquets gone, Miami has changed how they approached things in the center of the park.

Rodrigo De Paul is now the main man getting the most touches on the ball in the middle of the field.

While he’s not a traditional deep lying playmaker (more of a box-to-box number eight), his relentless energy and tendency to make tertiary runs into the box is a nice compliment alongside his teammates Yannick Bright and Telasco Segovia, who have a different set of skills.

Attack

Orlando City SC v Inter Miami CF | Leonardo Fernandez/GettyImages

In what is perhaps the easiest section of the lineup to predict, the front three for Miami will surely stay the same.

With Messi scoring a brace and his last game out, Allende looking back to full fitness, and German Berterame slowly carving out a spot as Miami’s new number nine, the Herons have enough firepower to get past DC United.