Herons on the Hunt: Inter Miami Chase Streak Against Leaky D.C. United

Inter Miami are buzzing like a beehive after their first 2026 MLS win, a gritty 4-2 comeback against Orlando City. Now, they're eyeing a streak when they face D.C. United on Saturday in Baltimore, where over 70,000 fans are expected to pack the stadium. Fresh from a cheeky White House visit with President Trump – because why not celebrate an MLS Cup parade in style? – the defending champs are heavy favourites.

Javier Mascherano's lads started rocky with a 3-0 loss to LAFC, but that Orlando turnaround showed grit. Falling 2-0 behind before roaring back? That's the Miami magic. Now at three points from two games, they fancy their chances against a D.C. side that's shipping goals like a sieve.

Berterame's Big Moment Beckons

All eyes on Germán Berterame, the flashy signing from Monterrey who's yet to pop his Miami cherry. Two games in, just one shot on target – he's lurking in the shadows rather than the spotlight. But fear not, mate; with Lionel Messi pulling strings like a 38-year-old wizard, there's goals aplenty elsewhere.

Tadeo Allende, the playoff hero, bagged an assist last week, while teenage sensation Mateo Silvetti netted the comeback spark against Orlando. Messi's brace? Pure poetry. Berterame's got the perfect tonic: D.C.'s dodgy defence begging to be breached. Time to step up, or risk being Messi's understudy forever.

The squad's nearing full tilt too. Sergio Reguilón's back in training, David Ayala's rejoined the group – no more excuses. As reported by Radio Gol on OneFootball, Mascherano's leaning heavy on his Argentine core: Facundo Mura, Rodrigo De Paul, Silvetti and Berterame all starting.

Lineup Lowdown: Mascherano's Masterplan

Expected 4-2-3-1 formation, per SI Soccer and FotMob previews. Between the sticks, Dayne St. Clair shook off early wobbles with key stops against Orlando – Canada's No.1 finding his groove.

Right-back Ian Fray edges Facundo Mura for now, shading the Jamaican international the nod. Centre-back duo Maxi Falcón and Micael: Falcón's the grizzled boss, snuffing out threats like Tai Baribo's box sniffers; Micael's adapting to St. Clair's sweeping antics.

Left-back Noah Allen, the 21-year-old vet with 70+ MLS caps, needs to sharpen up before Reguilón pips him. Midfield engine room? Rodrigo De Paul anchoring deeper – loving this tactical tweak – alongside Yannick Bright, the ball-progressing beast who earned a fresh deal.

Attack's the fireworks: Allende bursting down the right, Messi in the No.10 slot dictating play, Silvetti dazzling left, and Berterame up top. Bench warmth for Rocco Ríos Novo, Allende alternatives, Ayala and Gonzalo Luján.

D.C. United? They'll fancy a scrap, but Miami's firepower should overwhelm. Baribo's a livewire, mind – Falcón, earn your corn.

Picture this: M&T Bank Stadium rocking, Messi magicking moments, Berterame banishing his blank slate. If Miami click, it's three wins from three – title defence in full swing. D.C. might need a miracle, or at least a keeper on steroids.

Grab the popcorn; this could be the streak starter. Herons flying high? You bet.