With the March FIFA international window in the rearview — and the 2024 Concacaf Nations League championship trophy in the hands of the USMNT — Major League Soccer squads return to full strength with key players back from their respective national teams.
One club of consequence might be missing a key figure, however. Lionel Messi still is nursing a hamstring injury and could miss Inter Miami’s game against New York City FC. The injury causing Messi to miss Argentina’s latest friendlies as well as Inter Miami’s 4-0 defeat against the New York Red Bulls last Saturday.
That aforementioned result pushed Inter Miami down in the standings and vaulted FC Cincinnati into the lead spot in the Eastern Conference.
Out West, Minnesota United is the surprise of the season so far, and are a point ahead of second-place LA Galaxy despite playing one fewer game.
WATCH: Messi and Inter Miami host NYCFC on Apple TV
SHOP: Get the latest Messi and Inter Miami gear from the MLS Store
MLS Matchday 7: What are this week’s MLS games?
(All games available on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.)
Saturday
Philadelphia Union vs. Minnesota United FC, 2 p.m. ET
Colorado Rapids vs. Los Angeles FC, 4 p.m. ET
Charlotte FC vs. FC Cincinnati, 7:30 p.m. ET
D.C. United vs. CF Montréal, 7:30 p.m. ET
Inter Miami CF vs. New York City FC, 7:30 p.m. ET
Orlando City SC vs. New York Red Bulls, 7:30 p.m. ET
Toronto FC vs. Sporting Kansas City, 7:30 p.m. ET
Austin FC vs. FC Dallas, 8:30 p.m. ET
Houston Dynamo FC vs. San Jose Earthquakes, 8:30 p.m. ET
Nashville SC vs. Columbus Crew, 8:30 p.m. ET
LA Galaxy vs. Seattle Sounders FC, 10:30 p.m. ET
Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Portland Timbers, 10:30 p.m. ET
Sunday
➤ 2024 MLS schedule and scores
MLS game of the week: Philadelphia Union vs. Minnesota United
This is a showdown of undefeated teams … granted one enters with three wins and one tie, and the other has one win and three ties. Minnesota United is the surprise of the young MLS season. What they’ve done so far is nothing short of remarkable when you consider their coach didn’t join the Loons until after the season started and the team’s most dangerous playmaker — Emanuel Reynoso — has only appeared in one game (as a substitute). The Philadelphia Union’s start was marred by an embarrassing exit from the Concacaf Champions Cup. Now, coach Jim Curtin’s charges can fully focus on returning to their customary perch at or near the top of the table.
Minnesota United’s Robin Lod (17) makes a pass as Los Angeles FC’s Ilie Sanchez defends during the second half at Allianz Field on March 16, 2024. Lod scored a goal in Minnesota’s 2-0 win.
Where can you watch MLS games?
All Major League Soccer games air on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Some select games are available for free on Apple TV and viewers only need an Apple ID to watch.
FOX Sports will air select games on linear television.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: MLS schedule: Games, scores, TV and streaming info for Matchday 7
