A Major League Soccer (MLS) fixture between Inter Miami and FC Cincinnati will be hugely entertaining. This will take place on July 26th, 2025, at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This is a very key match, as both teams will be competing for positions at the top of the Eastern Conference!

Currently, Cincinnati is at the top of the MLS standings, and Inter Miami is hoping to close the gap upon them. We are in for a great matchup, as both Cincinnati and Inter Miami are good attacking teams and will be well coached before the match.

Inter Miami are coming into this match with a bit of everything, but they are still a good team. The home side has won 6 out of their last 10 home contests, and they have been a threat offensively. Inter Miami suffered a 3-0 defeat to Cincinnati on July 17. Since that loss, they raised eyebrows with a 5-1 victory against the New York Red Bulls, along with an authentic goal threat. 

FC Cincinnati is currently in 1st position in the Eastern Conference with 48 points in 24 matches. FC Cincinnati is also 7 points ahead of Miami in the standings. Currently, FC Cincinnati have been in form with four consecutive away wins, and they seem to be quite solid at the back. Their 3-0 victory over Inter Miami was a definitive form guide to show their quality and intention to defend their first overall position.

The suspensions of Messi and Alba are hard hits for Miami. Given Messi's contribution of over one-third of Inter Miami's expected goals this season, he was obviously the team's talisman, and now the whole creative burden of his influence will shift considerably to Luis Suarez and Telasco Segovia and the future crop of players in South Florida.

FC Cincinnati's midfield, despite Denkey's injury absence, is in good hands as long as Brazilian superstar Evander is available to continue his goal-scoring and assisting form. His form and the resilience of this defense make FC Cincinnati a tough opponent.

Miami's game plan will probably be a bit too cautious due to the absences, and we should expect a congested midfield who will do their best to control the possession and look to counter quickly to Segovia and Suarez. 

Cincinnati will be relying on their good defensive shape and quick transitions through Evander with their lines of attack. They have been quite solid defensively and disciplined in their approach throughout their run of form lately.

This match is going to be a tactical game between two well-organized sides. Inter Miami will be without Messi and Alba, but they could make up for this with home advantage and their attacking depth and therefore have a chance to turn the result from earlier defeat into something more positive. 

Inter Miami are likely to really push hard in front of their home crowd and make up for games in hand as they look to close the gap on Cincinnati. Expect goals from Suarez and possibly Segovia, while Cincinnati's biggest threat remains Evander on the counter. 

FC Cincinnati has a slight edge over Inter Miami in their last ten games, showing a record of five wins, four losses, and one draw. Notably, FC Cincinnati scored first in five of their last six encounters in the series.

More on the players

Messi is suspended for missing the MLS All-Star Game. His absence puts Inter Miami at a disadvantage, as Messi IS Miami’s creative engine, scoring 18 goals and assisting on 10 this season, and can ensure Miami has quality chances from the midfield. Without Messi, other players will need to step it up—or Miami could be in trouble creating chances.

Evander is having an electrifying season, scoring 15 goals and assisting on 7 others. He brings a lot of attacking skill to a team that will likely be without star striker Kevin Denkey. Evander's presence and ability to run the attack will be essential.

This MLS match is sure to be exciting, full of drama, and entertaining football. Inter Miami will attempt to use their home advantage and come back from their earlier loss, while FC Cincinnati will try to hold on to their position.