KLIK SAJA – A fierce top-tier clash in Major League Soccer (MLS) is set to light up the league this Thursday (local time) as FC Cincinnati host Inter Miami at the electrifying TQL Stadium.
While Inter Miami, led by the ever-dominant Lionel Messi, are riding high with five straight MLS wins, hosts FC Cincinnati have just had their winning streak halted following a tough 4-2 loss to Columbus Crew.
Over the past few seasons, FC Cincinnati have established themselves as a true MLS force.
Nicknamed The Orange and Blue, the club impressively finished 10th, 1st, and 5th overall in the last three campaigns.
Under the leadership of head coach Pat Noonan, who took charge in December 2021, Cincinnati entered the 2025 season with bold ambitions — aiming for their second Supporters’ Shield and a historic first-ever MLS Cup title.
Now at the halfway point of the season, those goals remain well within reach.
Cincinnati currently sit second in the Eastern Conference and third overall, collecting 42 points from 22 matches — just one point behind league leaders Philadelphia Union.
However, their loss to Columbus Crew last week snapped a four-game winning streak and cost them the top spot, at least temporarily.
Now, Cincinnati face a major test as they welcome an in-form Inter Miami side, who arrive with serious momentum and sky-high confidence.
With Messi orchestrating the charge, Inter Miami have won five consecutive MLS games — with the Argentine legend netting two goals in each match, and adding four assists to his name.
Though Miami currently sit seventh overall and fifth in the East, they possess a key advantage — they’ve only played 19 matches, three fewer than most teams, due to their participation in the FIFA Club World Cup, where they reached the Round of 16 before being eliminated by PSG.
Should they maintain this form, Inter Miami could climb to the top of the standings once they play their games in hand.
Despite the challenge, Cincinnati can take confidence from their strong home record against Inter Miami, having won the last three encounters at TQL Stadium. Yet with Messi in unstoppable form, the visitors arrive fully believing in another three points.
Cincinnati will likely be without Nick Hagglund, Obinna Nwobodo, Sergio Santos, and Yuya Kubo due to injury setbacks.