Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF host Evander-led FC Cincinnati on Wednesday night for an Eastern Conference clash with major Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs implications.
How to watch & stream
When
- Wednesday, Oct. 28 | 7:30 pm ET/4:30 pm PT
Where
- Nu Stadium | Miami, Florida
Standings
- 3rd in Eastern Conference
- 55 points (15W-6L-10D)
Last game
Inter Miami encountered a setback last weekend, falling 2-0 at Red Bull New York. The Herons previously had a three-game winning streak.
Players to watch
- Lionel Messi: What more can you say about Messi? The legendary Argentine is well on his way to a third straight Landon Donovan MLS MVP award, leading MLS with 40 goal contributions (25g/15a).
- Luis Suárez: A longtime strike partner of Messi, Suárez has reclaimed his spot as Inter Miami's starting No. 9 and tallied 15g/12a.
- Germán Berterame: In his debut season with the Herons, the Mexican international has turned into a reliable forward with 9g/10a.
- Rodrigo De Paul: The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner offers extra bite in midfield, while also bringing an attacking edge with 5g/14a.
Need to know
Despite all the star power up and down their roster, Miami are looking up at the New England Revolution – who leapfrogged them during Matchday 32 – in the Eastern Conference standings.
Although they hold a four-point lead over fourth-place Chicago Fire FC, the Herons will be eager to reclaim the No. 2 seed in the East and move closer to clinching a 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup spot.
With Messi, Miami are always a threat. And with the season winding down, expect the defending MLS Cup champions to carry a "must-win" attitude.
Standings
- 8th in Eastern Conference
- 42 points (11W-11L-9D)
Last game
FC Cincinnati enjoyed a six-point week, earning back-to-back wins over D.C. United.
In their latest matchup, a 2-0 Cincy victory, Evander recorded 1g/1a to become the second player in MLS history with at least 15 assists in three consecutive seasons. Tom Barlow added the insurance tally.
Players to watch
- Evander: A perennial MVP candidate, the Brazilian midfield maestro has a team-best 29 goal contributions (14g/15a).
- Kévin Denkey: Cincinnati's leading goalscorer, the Togo international striker is up to 17g/5a during the 2026 campaign.
- Tom Barlow: Although he doesn't get the shine of Denkey or Evander, the veteran forward is quietly enjoying a career year with 15 goal contributions (10g/5a).
- Pavel Bucha: The versatile Czech international is one of Cincy's most consistent players and has registered 6g/10a this season.
Need to know
Unlike their South Florida counterparts, FC Cincinnati aren't slated to earn home-field advantage in the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs. Instead, they're simply looking to secure a postseason spot!
Thanks to two straight wins, the Orange & Blue now hold a three-point edge over Red Bull New York (ninth place) and a four-point advantage over rival Columbus Crew (10th place).
In fact, a win against Miami, combined with Columbus losing at FC Dallas, could secure a playoff berth for head coach Pat Noonan's side and take them out of the Wild Card places altogether.
Download Polymarket: $50 Bonus with code MLS50
Inter Miami are sizable favorites over Cincinnati, taking 66% of the market compared to 17% for the visitors.
Market insights shared are current as of Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 10 am ET.
