Fresh off securing an Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs spot, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF visit Atlanta United for Matchday 31's Walmart Saturday Showdown.
How to watch & stream
When
- Saturday, Oct. 17 | 7:30 pm ET/4:30 pm PT
Where
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Atlanta, Georgia
Standings
- 14th in Eastern Conference
- 30 points (8W-15L-6D)
Last game
Atlanta cruised to a 3-0 victory at CF Montréal on Wednesday night, with Miguel Almirón, Giuliano Galoppo and Breel Embolo all scoring for the Five Stripes.
Players to watch
- Breel Embolo: The Swiss international striker and three-time FIFA World Cup participant signed a Designated Player deal in August, arriving from Ligue 1's Stade Rennais for reportedly around $18 million.
- Miguel Almirón: The Paraguayan international and club legend remains one of Atlanta's leading attackers with 6g/7a this season.
- Alexey Miranchuk: Atlanta's Russian playmaker provides a key creative presence, matching a team-best 6g/7a.
- Mauricio Amaro: The Uruguayan midfielder joined the Five Stripes this summer and has quickly become their preferred No. 6.
Need to know
Atlanta's playoff hopes are fading; they're six points below the East's Wild Card cutoff with just five games left.
Head coach Tata Martino, back for his second stint with ATLUTD, will look for an inspired performance like when they held Miami to a 2-2 road draw last month.
But if Atlanta upset the Herons, a postseason return might be in the cards after all.
Standings
- 2nd in Eastern Conference
- 52 points (14W-5L-10D)
Last game
Inter Miami posted their second straight shutout win on Wednesday night, topping New York City FC, 2-0, at Nu Stadium.
Germán Berterame and Rodrigo De Paul scored to clinch a playoff berth for the defending MLS Cup presented by Audi champions, and Dayne St. Clair made a late penalty-kick save.
Players to watch
- Lionel Messi: The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner continues to produce extraordinary numbers, leading the Golden Boot presented by Audi race with 23g/14a.
- Luis Suárez: The legendary Uruguayan striker remains a prolific attacking threat at age 39, contributing 15g/10a in 25 league appearances.
- Rodrigo De Paul: The Argentine World Cup winner provides a two-way presence in Miami's midfield, contributing 5g/14a and linking defense to attack.
- Casemiro: The former Real Madrid and Manchester United midfielder joined Miami over the summer, adding more championship pedigree to the Herons' star-studded roster.
Need to know
After winning once in 10 league games, Miami have built momentum with a 4-0 shutout of D.C. United and a 2-0 blanking of NYCFC.
That's created some breathing room for head coach Cristian "Kily" González's side, as they look to fend off the New England Revolution and Chicago Fire FC for the East's No. 2 seed.
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Miami are favored on the road, commanding 50% of the market compared to 30% for Atlanta.
Market insights shared are current as of Friday, Oct. 16 at 10 am ET.
