Inter Miami vs FC Cincinnati: A Clash for Redemption

Inter Miami and FC Cincinnati are set to face off for the second time in less than two weeks, with the Herons eager to settle the score at home.

On July 17, FC Cincinnati delivered a crushing 3-0 defeat to Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, solidifying their position at the top of the MLS standings, seven points clear of Miami, who have three games in hand.

Gerardo Valenzuela opened the scoring in their previous encounter, with Evander’s second-half double sealing a comprehensive victory for Cincinnati, snapping Miami’s six-game unbeaten streak and ending their run of five straight MLS wins.

Inter Miami bounced back impressively, demolishing New York Red Bulls 5-1 in their following match, with Messi netting his sixth brace in just seven league outings this season.

Having competed in the Club World Cup, where they progressed from the group stage before a 4-0 loss to PSG in the round of 16, Inter Miami have played only 21 MLS matches. This gives them three games in hand over the four teams ahead of them in the Eastern Conference, where they currently rank fifth with 41 points.

Under Javier Mascherano’s guidance, the Herons are determined to build another winning streak, leveraging their games in hand to climb back to the top of the league.

Despite a tough record against FC Cincinnati, with just one win in their last eight meetings and five losses, including three in the last four, their lone victory came on home turf, offering hope for the upcoming clash.

Meanwhile, FC Cincinnati are chasing a third consecutive victory, having followed their win over Miami with a 1-0 triumph against Real Salt Lake, thanks to a late goal from substitute Luca Orellano.

These back-to-back wins have propelled the Orange and Blue to the top of both the Eastern Conference and the overall MLS standings, with 48 points from 24 matches. However, they remain wary of Inter Miami’s firepower and aim to extend their lead.

Cincinnati have been in top form, winning six of their last seven league games, with their only stumble being a 4-2 loss to Columbus Crew. On the road, they boast a four-game winning streak, though their record in Miami is less impressive, with just one victory and three losses in their last five visits.

Messi and Jordi Alba, who skipped the MLS All-Star Game against Liga MX, face potential suspensions for this match unless an official injury report is provided. Maximiliano Falcon is already sidelined due to yellow card accumulation.

If Messi plays, he’ll aim to outscore Nashville’s Sam Surridge in the MLS Golden Boot race, with both tied at 18 goals.

Inter Miami will also miss Noah Allen (hamstring), Drake Callender (hernia), Ian Fray (adductor), Oscar Ustari, Baltasar Rodriguez, and Allen Obando (hamstring).

For Cincinnati, Kevin Denkey and Obinna Nwobodo are out with leg injuries, and Yuya Kubo is sidelined with an ankle issue.

Evander, who scored in five straight games before a quiet outing last weekend, will look to regain his scoring touch after his brace against Miami in their last meeting.