CF Montreal v Inter Miami: July 5 MLS Showdown Preview

CF Montreal v Inter Miami is set to ignite Saputo Stadium on 5 July 2025 in a match that could reshape both clubs’ seasons. With the summer transfer window freshly open, storylines off the pitch are almost as intriguing as those on it, but nothing will eclipse the 90-minute drama awaiting fans in Québec.

CF Montreal v Inter Miami form guide

CF Montreal arrive on the back of a resurgent June, collecting seven points from their last three outings to climb into the Eastern Conference play-off spots. Laurent Courtois’ side has tightened up defensively, conceding just once in that span thanks to the commanding presence of new centre-back Joel Waterman.

Inter Miami, meanwhile, continue their star-studded tour of MLS 2025. Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez remain headline attractions, yet Gerardo “Tata” Martino’s men have shown they are more than a two-man show, topping the conference with 2.3 goals per game. July’s trip north is the third of a gruelling four-game road swing that will test their squad depth.

Key stats ahead of kick-off

• Head-to-head: The last five CF Montreal v Inter Miami meetings are split at two wins apiece and a draw.
• Goals: Inter Miami have scored first in 12 of 18 matches this season; Montreal boast five clean sheets at home.
• Possession: Miami average 61 percent on the ball, while Montreal play quicker, vertical football with only 49 percent possession.
• Discipline: Both clubs sit mid-table for yellow cards, but Miami top the league in fouls suffered—largely thanks to Messi’s dribbling.

Players to watch

CF Montreal

Matko Miljevic has rediscovered his creative spark from the No. 10 role, producing four assists in his last five games. Striker Kwadwo Opoku thrives on those through-balls and leads the side with eight goals. Wing-back Ariel Lassiter offers width and crossing accuracy that could expose Miami’s advanced full-backs.

Inter Miami

Lionel Messi needs no introduction, but his deeper starting position this season has given rising winger Facundo Farías more space to attack the box. Holding midfielder Sergio Busquets will battle former Barça teammate Victor Wanyama in a clash of veteran organisers.

Tactical battle: pressing v possession

Courtouis has drilled Montreal into a mid-block press designed to trap opponents along the touchline. Expect Opoku and Miljevic to spearhead the trigger once Busquets receives the ball facing his own goal. Conversely, Martino’s Inter Miami will look to stretch the pitch horizontally, drawing defenders wide before switching quickly to Messi between the lines. Whoever controls the half-spaces could dictate the contest.

Probable line-ups

CF Montreal (3-4-2-1): Sirois; Waterman, Corbo, Campbell; Lassiter, Piette, Wanyama, Johnston; Miljevic, Choinière; Opoku.

Inter Miami (4-3-3): Callender; Yedlin, Avilés, Kryvtsov, Alba; Busquets, Gressel, Gómez; Messi, Suárez, Farías.

What a win would mean

For Montreal, victory would consolidate their push for a top-four seed and prove they can hang with MLS elites. For Miami, three road points would widen the gap at the summit and underline their reputation as road warriors. Dropped points, however, could see Cincinnati or Philadelphia pounce on the leaders, while Montreal could tumble into a congested mid-table pack.

How to follow live

The CF Montreal v Inter Miami showdown kicks off at 19:30 ET. In Canada, TVA Sports and Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass carry the game. U.S. viewers can stream it on Season Pass or listen via SiriusXM FC. Live radio commentary in French is available on 98.5 FM Montréal, with English coverage on TSN 690.

Fan buzz and ticket update

Every seat at Saputo Stadium sold out within 24 hours of release, fuelled by Messi’s first Montréal appearance in Major League Soccer. Secondary-market prices have skyrocketed, yet the club reminds supporters that mobile tickets issued through the official app are the only guaranteed entry.

Historical context

The first-ever CF Montreal v Inter Miami meeting came in 2020, a 2-1 triumph for the Canadian side. Since then, encounters have been tight, with an average winning margin of just 1.2 goals. July’s fixture could be the rivalry’s biggest chapter yet, given the table implications and star power involved.

Weather and pitch conditions

Forecasts predict a mild 22 °C evening with light winds—ideal for quick passing. Saputo’s hybrid grass received rave reviews earlier this season, and ground staff confirm it will be cut to 24 mm, favouring Inter Miami’s carpet-like build-up but also allowing Montreal’s wing-backs to sprint into space.

CF Montreal v Inter Miami statistical comparison

Injury report

Montreal list striker Josef Martínez as doubtful with a calf strain, while young full-back Rida Zouhir is suspended. Inter Miami could be without center-back Nicolás Freire (hamstring) and winger Robert Taylor (ankle), though both face late fitness checks.

Manager quotes

Laurent Courtois (CF Montreal): “Facing Messi is special, but we respect every opponent the same way. We’ll focus on our identity and give our supporters a night to remember.”

Gerardo Martino (Inter Miami): “Montreal away is never easy—the turf, the atmosphere, the travel. Discipline and patience will be key for us.”

CF Montreal v Inter Miami: final prediction

Expect a tight affair where the first goal is critical. If Montreal’s press rattles Miami early, the hosts could edge a 2-1 win. Yet a moment of brilliance from Messi might just tip the balance for the visitors. Either way, entertainment feels guaranteed.

Opinion

Both clubs have evolved rapidly since Miami’s expansion year, and this fixture now feels like a marquee spectacle rather than a novelty. The league benefits when Canadian and U.S. powerhouses clash at this level. My gut says Montreal’s energy and the home crowd will unsettle Miami, but counting out Messi remains risky business.