FC Cincinnati will host Inter Miami at TQL Stadium in Ohio on Sunday for the MLS Japanese Convention semifinals. With Lionel Messi driving Miami’s historic season, each the Orange and Blue and the Herons are poised to go full throttle in pursuit of a spot within the convention last.
The hosts enter the match after edging previous Columbus Crew in a three-game opening-round sequence that featured a 1-0 win, a surprising 0-4 defeat, and a decisive 2-1 victory. By ending second with 65 factors throughout the MLS common season, Cincinnati earned home-field benefit at TQL Stadium with a spot within the last on the road.
Inter Miami, for his or her half, superior after a roller-coaster sequence in opposition to Nashville that included a 3-1 win, a 1-2 loss, and a commanding 4-0 victory. That dominant efficiency, sparked by breakout star Mateo Silvetti whereas Luis Suárez was suspended, offers the Herons confidence heading into Cincinnati, a workforce they struggled in opposition to in 2025 (a 0-3 loss and a 0-0 draw).
Is Lionel Messi enjoying?
Messi carried Miami via the sequence in opposition to Nashville with 5 objectives and one help throughout the three matches. He then traveled to Africa for Argentina’s pleasant in opposition to Angola, the place he continued his sturdy type with a purpose and an help.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF battles for possession with Jeisson Palacios #4 of Nashville SC.
Now again in North America, Lionel Messi is anticipated to start out in opposition to FC Cincinnati. With 42 objectives and 20 assists within the 2025 season, having him absolutely match and within the lineup will likely be essential for head coach Javier Mascherano’s squad.
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Projected lineups for FC Cincinnati and Inter Miami
FC Cincinnati’s projected lineup (3-5-2): Roman Celentano; Nick Hagglund, Miles Robinson, Teenage Hadebe; Ender Echenique, Pavel Bucha, Evander, Samuel Gidi, Lukas Ahlefeld Engel; Brenner, Kévin Denkey.
Head coach: Pat Noonan.
Inter Miami’s projected lineup (4-3-3): Rocco Ríos Novo; Ian Fray, Maximiliano Falcón, Noah Allen, Jordi Alba; Rodrigo De Paul, Sergio Busquets, Tadeo Allende; Lionel Messi, Mateo Silvetti, Luis Suarez.
Head coach: Javier Mascherano.
