Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos believes his side's impressive form is "100%" down to the quality of the players.

The Herons are second in the Eastern Conference after five wins in their last seven games, including their last three in a row.

They defeated the Portland Timbers 2-0 last time out, with Lionel Messi scoring the opener before assisting German Berterame for the second, for their first win at Nu Stadium.

That victory followed high-scoring wins over Toronto FC (4-2) and FC Cincinnati (5-3), while their most recent defeat was a seven-goal thriller against rivals Orlando City (4-3).

Miami could enter the World Cup break in top spot, too, as they host bottom side Philadelphia Union on Sunday.

Hoyos was full of praise for his side ahead of their test against Philadelphia, insisting all credit goes to them for their current form.

"I have my own way of looking at it, and it really comes from my experience as a player as well," said Hoyos.

"The players are the ones who really make things happen, and they have done some wonderful things that have brought us to where we are today.

"That's what truly makes us very happy. The entire staff – physios, doctors, trainers and everyone working behind the scenes – know that 100% of the credit belongs to the players because they are the ones out there performing on the field.

"They are the ones who put themselves on display, and on top of that, we have the added bonus of having great players who always want to improve.

"So, naturally, I think things become much easier."

Although this fixture sees the reigning MLS Cup champions take on the Supporters' Shield holders, the Union have struggled to find any rhythm in 2026.

They have won just once in the league all season, while they are winless in seven (D4 L3) after a 1-1 draw with the Columbus Crew last time out.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Inter Miami – Lionel Messi

Messi has scored a goal in all four of his career matches against Philadelphia in all competitions (five goals), one of four teams he has scored in each of his first four matches against.

The only opponent Messi scored in each of his first five matches against is Eibar (six straight) from 2014-17.

Philadelphia Union – Ben Bender

Ben Bender has been involved in each of the Union's last three goals (one goal, two assists), including recording a secondary assist for Milan Iloski's goal last time out.

Bender was not involved in a goal in any of his first 12 Union appearances before recording three in his last two games.

MATCH PREDICTION – INTER MIAMI WIN

Miami are unbeaten in five meetings with Philadelphia in all competitions since Messi joined the club in the summer of 2023 (W4 D1).

Prior to Messi's arrival, the Union had lost only two of eight matches against Miami (W4 D2).

Miami have won three straight matches after winning just three of their previous 10 in all competitions (D6 L1). In regular-season play, Miami hasn’t recorded a winning streak of four or more consecutive matches since between May and July 2025 (five straight).

The Union are just the fifth team in MLS history to collect seven or fewer points from their first 14 matches of a season, though two of the previous four did so last year (CF Montreal, LA Galaxy).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Inter Miami – 65.9%

Draw – 18.2%

Philadelphia Union – 15.9%