Despite sky-high expectations ahead of the 2024 MLS season, Inter Miami’s star-studded team has disappointed in pre-season.
The Herons, who in January added ex-Barcelona striker Luis Suárez to a squad already containing former Blaugrana stars Lionel Messi, Sergi Busquets and Jordi Alba, have failed to win any of their warm-up games so far.
After a goalless draw with El Salvador, Miami have suffered consecutive losses to Dallas, Al Hilal and Al Nassr – with the third of those defeats a 6-0 drubbing by a team that was missing Cristiano Ronaldo.
Before facing Vissel Kobe, Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino’s men take on a Hong Kong XI on Sunday 4 February.
Watch Vissel Kobe vs Inter Miami on AppleTV+.
What time does Vissel Kobe vs Inter Miami start?
The game between Vissel Kobe and Inter Miami will be played at Japan National Stadium in Tokyo, Japan, on Wednesday 7 February 2024, with kick-off scheduled for 5am ET/3am PT.
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How can I watch Vissel Kobe vs Inter Miami?
You’ll be able to stream Vissel Kobe vs Inter Miami on AppleTV+’s MLS Season Pass.
Enjoy the game on Season Pass.
Vissel Kobe vs Inter Miami: teams’ last five games
Vissel Kobe:
- 3 December 2023: Gamba Osaka 0-1 Vissel Kobe
- 25 November 2023: Vissel Kobe 2-1 Nagoya Grampus
- 12 November 2023: Urawa Reds 1-2 Vissel Kobe
- 28 October 2023: Shonan Bellmare 1-1 Vissel Kobe
- 21 October 2023: Vissel Kobe 3-1 Kashima Antlers
Inter Miami:
- 1 February 2024: Al Nassr 6-0 Inter Miami
- 29 January 2024: Al Hilal 4-3 Inter Miami
- 23 January 2024: Dallas 1-0 Inter Miami
- 20 January 2024: El Salvador 0-0 Inter Miami
- 11 November 2023: Inter Miami 1-2 NYCFC
Vissel Kobe vs Inter Miami: prediction
Vissel Kobe are reigning domestic champions, so an out-of-sorts Inter Miami side will have to improve significantly if they’re to emerge victorious from the Japanese capital. We reckon the Floridians will score goals – but will concede them, too. Prediction: Vissel Kobe 3-3 Inter Miami.
Messi injury update
Messi was surprisingly left on the bench for Miami’s defeat by Al Nassr, with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner restricted to a short appearance as a second-half substitute in Riyadh.
It has been reported that the Argentine is suffering from a minor hamstring issue, but Miami boss Martino has said he expects his compatriot to return against Hong Kong, adding: “We want Leo to play as much as possible.”
