It’s that time again! Inter Miami takes on FC Cincinnati this Saturday in what promises to be one of the most electric fixtures of the MLS weekend. With Lionel Messi leading the Herons and Cincinnati’s Luciano Acosta pulling the strings, this clash at Chase Stadium is a must-watch. Whether you’re in the stands or streaming on Apple TV, here’s everything you need to know about this high-stakes MLS showdown.
Match Info
Current Form
Inter Miami
The Herons are a paradox—blindingly brilliant one week, frustratingly fragile the next. Lionel Messi, at 38, remains the MLS’s biggest draw, with 18 goals and 10 assists in 19 games this season. Their 5-1 demolition of New York Red Bulls on July 20, where Messi scored twice and assisted twice, showed their attacking might. However, defensive woes—conceding 30 goals in 21 matches—exposed them in their recent 3-0 loss to Cincinnati.
Last 5 Games: W-L-W-W-L
Key Concern: Defensive organization, especially without key players.
Key Hope: Messi’s magic, backed by Suárez and Alba’s experience.
Key Concern: Defensive organization, especially without key players.
Key Hope: Messi’s magic, backed by Suárez and Alba’s experience.
FC Cincinnati
Cincinnati are flying high, topping the Eastern Conference with 42 points from 22 matches, just one point behind Philadelphia Union. Their 3-0 thrashing of Inter Miami showcased their ruthless edge, with Evander’s brace and Gerardo Valenzuela’s opener. Despite a 4-2 loss to Columbus Crew snapping a four-game win streak, their attack (35 goals scored) and home form (three straight wins vs. Miami at TQL) make them formidable.
Last 5 Games: W-W-W-L-W
Key Strength: Midfield dynamism led by Acosta.
Key Question: Can they handle Messi at Chase Stadium?
Key Strength: Midfield dynamism led by Acosta.
Key Question: Can they handle Messi at Chase Stadium?
Head-to-Head Record
Cincinnati’s dominance at TQL Stadium (three straight MLS wins vs. Miami) contrasts with Inter’s sole home victory in their last eight meetings, a 2-0 win in August 2024.
Team News & Injury Watch
Inter Miami:
The Herons are plagued by injuries. Noah Allen (hamstring), Drake Callender (hernia), Ian Fray (adductor), Oscar Ustari, Baltasar Rodriguez, and Allen Obando are likely out. Diego Gómez (ankle) and Benjamín Cremaschi (fitness) are doubtful, but DeAndre Yedlin is back in training. Coach Javier Mascherano may lean on veterans to stabilize the backline.
FC Cincinnati:
Cincinnati face challenges with Nick Hagglund (chest), Obinna Nwobodo (leg), Sergio Santos (leg), and Yuya Kubo (ankle) sidelined. Ian Murphy is doubtful with a muscle strain, and Nwobodo is suspended due to yellow card accumulation. Evander and Kevin Denkey, with 25 goals combined, remain key threats.
Predicted Lineups
Inter Miami (4-4-2):
Dos Santos; Yedlin, Avilés, Kryvtsov, Alba; Allende, Busquets, Mota, Segovia; Messi, Suárez.
With Callender and Ustari out, Dos Santos steps in goal. Yedlin’s return bolsters the defense, while Messi and Suárez lead the attack
With Callender and Ustari out, Dos Santos steps in goal. Yedlin’s return bolsters the defense, while Messi and Suárez lead the attack
FC Cincinnati (3-5-2):
Celentano; Mosquera, Miazga, Powell; Yedlin, Moreno, Acosta, Pereira, Barreal; Denkey, Baji.
Pat Noonan’s side sticks to their 3-5-2, with Acosta orchestrating and Denkey filling in for the suspended Nwobodo’s energy.
Pat Noonan’s side sticks to their 3-5-2, with Acosta orchestrating and Denkey filling in for the suspended Nwobodo’s energy.
What to Watch For
Messi vs Acosta:
Messi’s 18 goals and 10 assists make him the MLS’s deadliest player. Acosta, with 21 goal involvements, is Cincinnati’s heartbeat. If Acosta can disrupt Messi’s rhythm with high pressing, Cincy could control the tempo.
Inter’s Defense vs Cincinnati’s Attack:
Inter’s backline, missing key players, has conceded in their last three games. Cincinnati’s Denkey and Evander, with their 25 goals, will exploit any gaps, especially on transitions.
Busquets vs Cincinnati’s Midfield Press:
Sergio Busquets’ composure is vital, but Cincinnati’s energetic midfield, led by Acosta and Moreno, averages 11.8 recoveries per game. This battle could decide who controls possession.
Score Prediction
With both teams averaging over 4 combined goals in recent games, expect a high-scoring affair. Messi’s form tips the scales, but Cincy won’t go quietly.Prediction: Inter Miami 3-2 FC Cincinnati
Scorer Tip: Messi (2), Suárez (1) | Acosta (1), Denkey (1)
Scorer Tip: Messi (2), Suárez (1) | Acosta (1), Denkey (1)