In-depth Analysis
In the Round of 16 of the 2025 MLS Championship, Inter Miami were expected to easily advance against Nashville, but they needed all three matches to get past them.
Now, Inter Miami face a tougher challenge in FC Cincinnati. In the group stage, both teams finished with 65 points, but Inter Miami ranked third due to a poorer head-to-head record. Messi and his teammates must now push harder to keep their title hopes alive.
Both sides enter this match in good form, each winning 4 of their last 5 games. However, Cincinnati are very strong at home with a five-match unbeaten streak, while Inter Miami have lost 1 of their last 4 away games. In their recent meetings, each team has won once and drawn once in their last three encounters.
Even so, with the experience and class of Jordi Alba, Busquets, Luis Suárez, Rodrigo de Paul, and especially Lionel Messi, Inter Miami are capable of overcoming Cincinnati to secure a spot in the next round.