Inter Miami vs Newell's Old Boys - Preseason friendly: TV channel, team news, lineups and prediction

Inter Miami square off with Argentinian side Newell's Old Boys in a preseason friendly on Thursday night at DRV PNK Stadium.

The tune-up clash for Miami sees superstar Lionel Messi and head coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino reunite with their boyhood club in what could very well be an emotional preseason game in south Florida. Martino spent 14 years as a player with Old Boys before taking the reins as head coach in 2011, while Messi departed Newell's youth setup to join Barcelona in July of 2004.

The Herons' international tour didn't exactly go to plan, as they managed just one win against the Hong Kong Team -- which caused a bit of controversy after Messi and Luis Suarez missed the clash through injury. Like most teams, Miami looked disjointed in preseason and fell against the likes of Al Hilal, Al Nassr and Vissel Kobe.

On the other side, Old Boys have won their first four fixtures in Group B of the 2024 Copa de la Liga Profesional season, conceding just once and picking up wins against Cordoba de Santiago, Lanus, Belgrano and Union.

Here's everything you need to know ahead of Inter Miami vs Newell's Old Boys.

What time does Inter Miami vs Newell's Old Boys kick-off?

• Location: Ft Lauderdale, Florida
• Stadium: DRV PNK Stadium
• Date: Thursday 15 February
• Kick-off Time: 17:30 GMT / 12:30 ET / 07:30 PT

Inter Miami vs Newell's Old Boys H2H record

This is the first-ever meeting between Miami and Old Boys.

Current Form (all competitions)

• Inter Miami: LLLWL
• Newell's Old Boys: WWWWW

How to watch Inter Miami vs Newell's Old Boys on TV and live stream

Inter Miami team news

After missing out against the Hong Kong Team, Messi and Suarez both took part in their clash against Vissel Kobe in Japan. Suarez logged 75 minutes after featuring from the start while Messi came on for the last 30 minutes of play.

With players fit for the Vissel match, they both should be ready to go at home in their final preseason friendly before the 2024 MLS season begins on February 21 -- especially in Messi's case as it'll be a reunion with his boyhood club.

Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets sustained an ankle injury against Vissel and was forced to come off after just 25 minutes. However, reports have claimed the injury isn't as serious as initially thought. Martino will definitely not want to risk any injuries after previous events, meaning Busquets will more than likely sit this one out or come on for a brief cameo near the end if he's fit.

Inter Miami predicted lineup vs Newell's Old Boys

Inter Miami predicted lineup vs Newell's Old Boys (4-3-3): Callender; Yedlin, Aviles, Kryvtsov, Alba; Gregore, Ruiz, Gressel; Messi, Suarez, Taylor.

Newell's Old Boys team news

Midfielder Juan Sforza and winger Francisco Gonzalez were on international duty with the Argentina Under-23 team, as they defeated Brazil 1-0 in the CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament ahead of this summer's Olympics in Paris, France.

The two players are set to rejoin the Old Boys camp but will probably miss out against the Herons.

Newell's Old Boys predicted lineup vs Inter Miami

Newell's Old Boys predicted lineup vs Inter Miami (4-3-3): Macagno; Mendez, Velazquez, Glavinoch, Martino; Diaz, Fernandez, Banega; May, Aguirre, Ramirez.

Inter Miami vs Newell's Old Boys score prediction

Miami have looked all over the place thus far in preseason, while Old Boys have started their 2024 cup campaign on a high note. The visitors will be fresher and raring to go to take on Messi and co. as the Herons are still figuring out their identity in preseason preparations.

Messi and Suarez will have their moments to create some magic, but it won't be enough against one of Argentina's best sides.

Prediction: Inter Miami 1-3 Newell's Old Boys

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