Union battle with Messi and Miami with hopes to stay top of MLS

The Philadelphia Union are right back on the field tonight to play host to Messi and Miami. At just about the halfway point of the 2025 MLS season, the Union currently holds a seven-point advantage over the Herons and is amid an eight-game unbeaten streak in all competitions. Can Philly keep up their recent dominance and remain at the top of MLS in the process?

MLS, Union — Image Credit: Philadelphia Union

Union vs Miami part 2

The Union already played Miami once this year, back in March. They lost 2-1 and failed to rise to the occasion. Philly conceded inside the first half hour and then let Messi run rampant for a second goal just after halftime. A late goal from the now former Union player Daniel Gazdag cut the deficit to one, but it was too little, too late.

Since then, these teams have been on different trajectories. Philly is the best team in the league, and Miami has been faltering. Messi and friends have just three wins in their last 10 matches; they’ve lost five over that stretch and are doing so uniquely. We all know the firepower Miami has. The aging Barcelona four of Messi, Suarez, Busquets, and Alaba can produce goals in bunches, but this leaves them extremely vulnerable defensively.

Miami has conceded 20 goals in its last seven matches, an average of almost three goals a game over that stretch. They have major issues along their backline and in goal; head coach Javier Mascherano has yet to crack the code of getting the most out of his team to find ways to hold the opposition. He seems more interested in keeping his former Barca teammates happy. This bodes well for a Union side that has scored 19 goals in its current eight-game unbeaten streak.

Union, MLS — Image Credit: Philadelphia Union

Projected Union tactics and formation

Philly is flying high right now. They are the best team in MLS and have advanced to the quarterfinals of the US Open Cup. Bradley Carnell has implemented a high-intensity pressing system that the players bought into. He has also found the proper rotations, utilizing more than 20 players playing meaningful minutes. In years past, Philly would have solely used 12-15 players to run them into the ground.

Against Miami, Philadelphia will need to stick to its standard tactical approach, press the hell out of its opponent, and punish it for its mistakes. Miami leaks goals; the likes of Quinn Sullivan and Tai Baribo should be able to start attacks inside Miami’s half of the field. That said, players like Jovan Lukic and Danley Jean Jacques will need to keep track of Messi’s movements. As the goat goes, so does Miami.

Predicted lineup | Formation (4-2-2-2)

GK: Rick;
LB: Wagner, CB: Harriel, CB: Glesnes, RB: Westfield;
CDM: Lukic, CDM: Danley;
CAM: Q. Sullivan, CAM: Vassilev;
ST: Baribo, ST: Damiani.

This is the Best XI available right now for Carnell’s Boys in Blue. Andre Blake is still listed as questionable with a Knee Injury, and with the way Andrew Rick has played in goal, Philly is in good hands. This side needs to rise to the moment. They cannot be in awe of Messi and the other stars Miami has. If they can play to their potential, Philly should be the favorites to pick up points in this match.

What to watch for at Union vs Miami

Of course, all eyes will be on Messi in his return to Chester, PA. This will be the superstar’s first time playing on the banks of the Delaware River since the 2023 League Cup (he was injured for the 2024 MLS match between Philly and Miami). While everyone will be watching number 10 in pink, it will give some Union players the chance to shine.

One will be Danley Jean Jacques, tasked with following Messi around in the midfield; also, keep an eye on captain Jakob Glesnes. The centerback may have lost a step recently, but his performance will tell how this match turns out. Philly’s attack has been buzzing thanks to the MLS Golden Boot Leader Tai Baribo. He has 11 goals so far this season. If he can tally on the scoresheet, the Union will feel like they’re on their way to extending their unbeaten streak.

The last thing Philly wants is for this to be a shootout. Miami looks for those types of matches as a way to compensate for an absolutely awful defense. If the Union can limit Miami’s chances to score and frustrate them by being physical, then they have a clear path to victory. It’ll be a rather chilly night on Memorial Day Weekend, and the crowd will likely be a split one, but this is the moment Philly and Carnell have looked for. Tonight is the chance to make a statement of intent as one of the best teams in MLS this year for your Philadelphia Union.