Overview
- The first-round series is tied 1-1, with the winner advancing to the Eastern Conference semifinals after tonight’s 8 p.m. ET kickoff on MLS Season Pass.
- Suárez was suspended and fined for violent conduct after the league reviewed footage of him kicking Nashville’s Andy Najar in the 71st minute of Game 2, an incident missed by the referee and VAR.
- Inter Miami said it accepts the decision but raised concerns about re-refereeing completed plays, and coach Javier Mascherano called the ruling “very strange.”
- Messi is expected to spearhead Miami’s attack with potential lineup tweaks as the club adapts to Suárez’s absence in the winner-take-all match.
- Nashville arrives confident after its Game 2 win and recent U.S. Open Cup triumph, with tactical adjustments involving Matthew Corcoran and Josh Bauer cited as influential.