Inter Miami’s playoff hopes took a hit as they were edged out by Cincinnati in a pivotal MLS regular-season clash. The harnessed energy at the home venue was palpable, but the final whistle confirmed a 0-1 defeat that left the hosts searching for a any remaining spark in the stretch run.
Alvaro Barreal provided the decisive moment for FC Cincinnati, striking in the 78th minute to tilt the balance in a game that saw the momentum swing as the clock wore on. With this result, Cincinnati secured a decisive step toward maintaining a strong position atop the league table, amassing 68 points. Inter Miami, by contrast, sits in 14th place with 33 points, distancing themselves from the playoff places with only two regular-season fixtures remaining and a notable gap to the ninth-placed squad.
On the day, Inter Miami did welcome Lionel Messi back into the fold after a period on the sidelines due to injury. The Argentinian forward, who had missed four matches, was included in the squad and started on the bench. He did enter the fray in the 55th minute, yet the lengthy layoff and the compact nature of a tight game prevented him from producing the moment that might have changed the outcome for his team.
The story of Messi’s move to Inter Miami has unfolded over the past year, following his impactful stint with Paris Saint-Germain. The forward arrived in the summer of 2023 and quickly made an impact, debuting for the club with a free-kick goal that signaled his arrival in MLS. The season also marked a breakthrough in trophies for Inter Miami, as the club captured the League Cup by defeating Nashville in a dramatic penalty shootout that ended 10-9 after a tense final. This triumph added a new chapter to Messi’s North American chapter and raised expectations for future campaigns.
As the regular season nears its conclusion, the road ahead remains challenging for Inter Miami. The gap to the playoff positions is a clear reminder that every remaining match carries enormous importance. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see whether the side can summon the necessary form to climb the table, secure a postseason berth, and create momentum heading into what would be a demanding MLS knockout phase. The evolving dynamic around Messi’s role, the team’s depth, and the tactical adjustments made by the coaching staff will all influence Miami’s chances in the final two fixtures. The broader MLS context also reflects a league that continues to attract star players and high-stakes competition as teams jockey for position in a tightly contested table, with every point proving vital in the pursuit of MLS glory.