Inter Miami vs Cincinnati FC summary, score, goals, highlights | MLS
Inter Miami vs Cincinnati FC: As it happened
Inter Miami saw their playoff dreams dashed with a 1-0 home defeat to Cincinnati FC.
The Herons had an uphill task to make it to the post-season but the pre-match mood at DRV PNK Stadium was buoyed by the news that Lionel Messi was fit enough to return to the substitute's bench.
Miami had the better of the first half, hitting the woodwork three times but failed to find a break-through. After halftime Cincinnati began to dominate the game and Messi was sent on to find the crucial first goal in a tightly-fought affair. He showed a few neat touches, but it was Cincy who broke the deadlock with ten minutes remaining.
Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender couldn't hold a fiercely-struck shot from Yuya Kubo and Alvaro Barreal was on hand to slot the ball home from close range.
The hosts continued to push but couldn't find an equaliser, never mind the winner that they would have needed to remain in the playoff race. Cincinnati managed to see the game out fairly comfortably and look a good bet to go all the way in MLS Cup.
Can Inter Miami make the playoffs?
Tonight's result in the East mean that Messi and Miami will not be playing any part in the 2023 MLS Playoffs. Inter Miami were beaten by Cincy, while Red Bull NY and Montreal both won their respective matches.
These results leave Inter Miami seven points from the playoff places with just two games remaining.
WATCH: Inter Miami out of the playoffs after Cincinnati loss
This is the moment that proved decisive on the night and ended Inter Miami's hopes of making the playoffs. Drake Callender had made a string of top quality saves but could not keep hold of this shot from Kubo, allowing Alvaro Barreal to break the deadlock.
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Peeep peeeep peeeeeeeep
And that's full time at DRV PNK Stadium.
Inter Miami lose 1-0 to Cincinnati and are out of contention for the playoffs.
Monstrous defending from Kamal Miller to halt a Cincy attack and get his team back on the offensive. There's just seconds left now though...
Messi takes... and it's curled over the crossbar!
Goal kick to Cincinnati. Time slipping away for the hosts.
We're into the final minutes now and Miami are back on the attack. Messi is clipped 20 yards from goal.
Free kick to Miami on the edge of the box. Last chance to steal something here!
It's worked to the back post and Celentano pushes the ball wide for another corner.
The second corner bounces around in the box until Messi concedes a foul in his eagerness to create a chance.
He clips the ball in and it's cleared for a corner.
Five minutes of added time is signalled.
Moment of controversy here as Messi is tackled, cleanly, but Kubo but Inter Miami are awarded a free kick on the edge of the box. It's a long way out, but it's Messi..
Miami need two goals and time is running out. The Herons are looking to get the ball into the advance areas out wide but Cincinnati are doing brilliantly to cut out the angles.
Neat interplay on the edge of the box between Messi and Cremaschi opens up a crack in the Cincinnati defence. Messi fires in a low, left-footed shot but it skips wide of the post.
Free kick for Miami on the right flank. It's taken quickly to Messi, who skips past some challenges and plays it out to Allen on the left.
Cincy get the ball back and look to launch a counter-attack, which soon breaks down and Miami come charging back up-field.
It's end-to-end now!
With Montreal and Red Bull NY both winning Inter Miami have to win tonight to remain in playoff contention.
Inter Miami are going to have to push forward now and that is going to leave space for Cincy on the break. Busquets is looking tired in the middle, will Cincinnati punish them with a second goal?
Finally Drake Callender is beaten and Cincinnati take the lead. That goal has burst the bubble in DRV PNK Stadium but there is still around 15 minutes remaining and Lionel Messi is on the pitch.
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GOOOOOAAAAAL! Cincinnati
Is that the goal that seal's Miami's fate? Alvaro Barreal pounces on a loose ball in the box and pokes it home from close range.
Cincy break Miami's resolve!
No recognised striker on the pitch for Inter Miami now. They have a fairly fluid frontline and are looking to disrupt the Cincy defence with their movement.
Double change for Inter Miami, who have just 15 minutes of normal time remaining to save their MLS campaign. Stefanelli and Taylor come on for the hosts, Martinez and Yedlin depart.
Messi has drifted around a lot in his first 20 minutes back on the field, but now looks to have settled on a position just behind Josef Martinez, giving him a full view of the attacking third.
Good play from Inter Miami now, who enjoy a better spell of possession. Yedlin gets high and wide and looks to find Martinez in the middle. Cincinnati get players back to block the cross and clear.
Brilliant work from Boupendza to bustle through the Miami backline, finding himself one-on-one with Callender. Once again, the Miami keeper makes the save.
This is really heating up now with chances for both teams in quick succession. It feels like a goal is coming, but for who?
Close! Cincinnati
Heroic from Callender as he keeps things scoreless with a brilliant double save.
Boupendza whips a low cross in to Vasquez at the back post but Callender gets out well to close the angle. The ball spins up in the air and the Miami keeper claims in at the second attempt.
Post! Cincinnati
The ball is flashed across the six yard box by Acosta and takes a deflection in the middle, bounces past Callender and clips the far post. Inter Miami survive.
Another substitution for Cincinnati now as Kubo comes on to replace Moreno.
Nearly an opening for Cincinnati as Acosta plays the ball out to Barreal on the left of the box. His effort is well-blocked by a Miami defender and they get the ball clear.
Chance! Inter Miami
Messi links up well with compatriot Farias to make space on the edge of the box. The young Argentine lets fly from distance but his effort is drilled well over the crossbar.
Inter Miami have half an hour to find a goal and keep their playoff dreams alive.
As it stands, they are out of contention unless they win tonight. Even if other results turn in their favour a win against Cincinnati will probably be required to make the post-season.
Messi takes the free kick but curls it well over the crossbar, failing to trouble the goalkeeper. He's still getting his range in after missing a lot of soccer in the last month.
Brilliant play from Lionel Messi who skips past Miazga and wins a free kick on the edge of the Cincinnati box, perfect position for a left footer.
Here we go....
Messi's on and he take the captain's armband.
He gets his first touch on the end of the box, skipping between two players and drawing cheers from the Miami support.
Here we go!
Double change for Inter Miami, who shift to a 4-3-3.
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Cincinnati have looked much better in the this half and are starting to pin Inter Miami back. It looks like Martino is trying to be proactive, bringing on his game-changers with 35 minutes remaining.
Huge roars in DRV PNK Stadium as Lionel Messi is called over by his coach. He's about to make his return to the game for Miami.
How crucial will his introduction be in their season?
A little stat on Cincinnati this season, they have conceded a league-low of 10 goals in the second half of games this season. That's 10 goals across 32 second halves.
Close! Cincinnati
Brilliant double save from Callender to deny first Vasquez and then Boupendza! Miami gave the ball away cheaply and Cincy looked to catch them with a sharp attack, but the hosts' keeper kept their efforts out.
The cross is well-cleared by Inter Miami who immediately look to get up the pitch. They can't quite mount a real attack but the intention is there once again.
The Inter Miami substitutes, including Lionel Messi, are out warming up on the side of the pitch and receive a rapturous reception from the home support. How long until we see Messi?
Cincinnati win a free kick on the left flank in a good position to cross.
And we're back
Here comes a crucial 45 minutes for Inter Miami...
One change at the break for Cincinnati, who replace Santos with Boupendza.
We'll be back with the second half coverage very shortly, but you can also watch or stream Inter Miami vs Cincinnati FC! Here's everything you need to know to watch the action live...
Inter Miami need to win to keep playoff dreams alive
It's been a good start for the Herons in Miami but results elsewhere mean that this may not be enough. With Red Bull NY, DC United and Montreal all winning at the break Inter Miami need a win to remain in the hunt for the post-season.
Tom Barlow gave RBNY the lead at halftime with this hard-fought opener.
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All square at the break
Cincinnati will count themselves pretty lucky to go into halftime with the scores still level. Inter Miami hit the woodwork three times in the opening 45 minutes and dominated the ball against the Supporters' Shield champions.
As the first half wore on Cincy boss Pat Noonan was looking increasingly frustrated with his side's performance.
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And that's the half!
Scoreless at the break in Miami, although the hosts saw three shots cannon back off the woodwork. Reason to be confident for Tata Martino at halftime.
There will be one minute of added time remaining in the first half.
It's been an engrossing first half with chances for both sides. The Inter Miami crowd are ratcheting up the noise again as Tomas Aviles lets fly with a wild effort form 40 yards that's dragged well wide.
Cincinnati go up the other end with a lightening-quick break, finding Acosta on the left of the box. He twists and turns but can't quite make space for a shot and Busquets puts in a strong tackle.
Chance! Miami
DeAndre Yedlin skips past the left back as fires in a brilliant low ball that skips across the six-yard box. Now one is there to convert and Josef Martinez ends up attempting a wild bicycle kick as Cincy try to clear the ball.
It does not come off.
Luciano Acosta looks to play a first-time ball through to Vasquez but overhits the pass. It was a good idea though, and highlights the threat that Cincinnati can pose on the break.
Farias is continuing to drop very deep for Miami and it's creating problems for the shape going forward. Martinez, who has been lively in patches, has looked isolated in the past ten minutes and does not have the physical stature to thrive as a target man.
Might be something for Tata Martino to think about at halftime.
The kick is hopelessly overhit and Miami give away a free kick in their eagerness to win back possession.
Good work from Yedlin on the right flank who wins a corner for his team. It'll be Allen to deliver from the right...
The rain is really coming down now with fans in DRV PNK Stadium reaching for hats and rain jackets.
Miami midfielder Busquets stays down after a heavy challenge on the halfway line, but it looks like he'll be able to continue.
Good work from Martinez again to turn and slip in Farias on the right of the box. The young Argentine strikes for the top corner but the Cincy keeper pushes the ball wide for a corner.
The corner is delivered but just evades Aviles and goes out for a goal kick.
Obinna (Cincinnati)
The Cincy midfielder is booked for a clumsy challenge in the middle of the pitch. The all-action midfielder is walking a tightrope for the remaining hour.
Here's that brilliant Josef Martinez effort from a few minutes ago. What a strike from the Venezuelan!
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Sergio Busquets takes a free kick on the edge of the Cincinnati box but his effort is blocked by the wall. The Miami crowd are certainly up for this.
Crossbar! Inter Miami
Incredible scenes in Florida as Inter Miami hit the woodwork again!
Brilliant from Martinez to play a no-look through ball toward Cremaschi running into the box. The youngster looks to flick the ball past Celentano but his shot hits the bar.
STILL 0-0.
Post! Inter Miami
The visitors go close ago through a brilliant long-range strike from Josef Martinez! The forward turns on the edge of the box and fires in a fierce left-footed drive that strike the top of the upright and bounces away to safety.
Another near miss!
Brilliant ball from Busquets finds Martinez on the edge of the box. The Miami forward battles to keep hold of possession before Cremaschi takes a swing at goal from distance. His effort is never troubling Celentano.
Cincinnati corner is whipped in by Acosta. Cleared by Miami as far as Moreno, who thrashes a volley well wide of the goal.
Farias dinks the ball into the box but Inter Miami can't get a clear connection with the cross. Cincinnati get the ball clear.
Martinez goes down under pressure on the edge of the Cincinnati box after some good work for his team. Free kick to Inter Miami on the right of the box in a good shooting position.
Facundo Farias to take...
Anyone expecting a steady start to the game, you were mistaken!
It's been an end-to-end start with Inter Miami looking to dominate the game and push the tempo. Cincinnati are content to hit them on the counter-attack and have looked threatening on the break.
Close! Cincinnati
Brilliant work from the Cincy forwards who combine. A long ball upfield is brought down by Vasquez and the USMNT rolls in strike partner Santos. He pokes his shot toward the bottom corner but Callender gets down well to save.
Still 0-0.
Here's a look at that early chance for Aviles. The youngster struck the shot well but it cannoned back off the woodwork.
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Chance for Cincinnati now as the visitors go straight up the other end and fashion a good opening of their own. The ball is flashed across the six yard box but Santos' effort goes wide.
Crossbar! Miami
The ball falls to Tomas Aviles on the edge of the six-yard box and the young defender smashes a volley against the crossbar.
So close! But he really should have scored fromthere.
Martinez bundles into Miazga on the edge of the Cincinnati box and gives away a foul.
The Venezuelan is one of the most talented forwards in the league but has struggled with Miami and failed to create any opening in last Wednesday's loss to Chicago.
A cagey start in Miami, which will probably suit the hosts fairly well. If the Herons can ease their way into this game that gives them the opportunity to bring on Messi in the second half.
Miami win a free kick on the right wing and Farias looks to play it short to Allen. Incredibly, the Argentine misjudges a simple ten-yard pass and the ball rolls out of play.
Groans from DRV PNK Stadium
As expected, it looks like the two teams are matching each other up with three central defenders and three midfielders. The key battle tonight could be Sergio Busquets against Luciano Acosta in the middle of the pitch.
And we're off!
We're underway in the East for this crucial MLS clash between Inter Miami and Cincinnati.
We're nearly ready for the off at DRV PNK Stadium and there's a brilliant atmosphere in Miami. Let's see what the next two hours bring...
The teams are out!
Kick-off is now just four minutes away and both teams are out on the field in Miami. No Messi in the starting XI for the Herons, but he takes his place on the bench.
How long will Martino leave it before calling upon the Miami captain?
Another word on the Inter Miami line up...
It looks like Tata Martino has gone for a 5-3-2 formation tonight, with Busquets flanked by Ruiz and Cremaschi. The duo of young midfielders should give Busquets the legs around him that he requires to get the best of his talents.
Ruiz and Cremaschi may also be tasked with tracking Luciano Acosta when he drops deep for Cincinnati.
Can Inter Miami do it tonight?
Throughout this season, Inter Miami's fortunes have been very dependent on Lionel Messi's ability to win games for the team. Tonight Messi starts on the bench but could be the match-winner late on if Miami can stay in the game against Cincinnati.
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Atmosphere building outside DRV PNK Stadium
The players are finishing off their pregame preparations on the field and the Miami supporters are doing the same outside DRV PNK Stadium. Kick-off is now just 15 minutes away and the atmosphere is building.
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Here's tonight's MLS fixture schedule...
There's roughly 30 minutes to go until kick-off at DRV PNK Stadium as Inter Miami and Cincinnati FC prepare to battle it out. That's our focus game this evening but there are plenty more MLS games on tonight, including a number a fascinating ties.
DC United and New York City FC go head-to-head at Audi Stadium with a place in the playoffs up for grabs.
In the West it's Chicago Fire vs Charlotte FC to secure a playoff spot.
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Lionel Messi not involved in Inter Miami warm-up
The 36-year-old is back in the squad but starts on the bench. Messi has not joined his teammates on the field at DRV PNK Stadium for the start of the warm-up.
It looks like Miami will be relying on Messi in the final stages tonight, limiting his game time in an attempt to keep him in contention to play the final MLS games of the season.
Cincinnati name strong squad for Miami trip
They may have already lifted the Supporters' Shield but Cincinnati FC are not going easy in their final MLS fixtures. Captain and MVP candidate Luciano Acosta starts for the visitors, with Santos and Vasquez leading the line up front.
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Why isn't Lionel Messi starting for Inter Miami?
Miami fans will be delighted to see Messi back in the matchday squad but many will be asking why the team captain is starting on the bench. The 36-year-old has missed the past four games due to a reoccurrence of a muscular injury.
Ahead of the game Inter Miami assistant coach Javi Morales explained that they would be taking his recovery carefully.
“It’s more of the same, we have to evaluate him day by day," Morales said on Friday. "The good news is he trained [Thursday], he will train [Friday], and afterwards we will make a decision. But he is doing better every day.”
Lionel Messi on the bench!
Team news from DRV PNK Stadium and it looks like Lionel Messi will begin tonight's must-win game on the bench. Inter Miami boss Tata Martino has gone with a 5-3-2 formation that sees Josef Martinez and Facundo Farias in the forward line.
More this breaking news to come...
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Will Lionel Messi start for Miami?
More hints that Lionel Messi is back in the Inter Miami squad for tonight's crucial MLS clash. Miami can still make the playoffs if they win their three remaining matches but have been on a poor run of recent form.
Can Messi turn their fortunes around and spark a late-season revival? We'll find out tonight...
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Can Inter Miami make the playoffs?
It's very tight, but the Herons can make it to the post-season if they win their remaining three games of the regular season. They are currently five points adrift of that final playoff place in the East, but have played one game fewer than most of the teams ahead of them.
After tonight's game against table-topping Cincinnati FC they have a crucial double-header against Charlotte FC, who are also looking to make it to the playoffs.
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Looking for a way to watch Inter Miami vs Cincinnati FC? We will be bringing you full live coverage right here on AS USA but you can also choose to watch or stream the action online.
Here's everything you need to know...
Cincinnati make history
Just three days ago Cincinnati FC wrapped up the Supporters' Shield, the first trophy in the team's history. Luciano Acosta, the team's captain and MLS MVP candidate, lifted the shield aloft to crown a brilliant regular season campaign.
But now, the real work starts. Cincinnati will be desperate to see their scintillating form translated into an MLS Cup triumph and will be eager to keep up the momentum against Inter Miami tonight.
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Miami and Cincinnati met in Leagues Cup
What. A. Game.
Back in August these two sides played out a thrilling Leagues Cup semi-final that saw Miami go on to lift their first ever trophy. The Herons needed two pieces of Messi magic late in the game to take it to penalties. Here's a look back at the Argentine's two pin-point assists.
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We should have team news from DRV PNK Stadium in around 30 minutes but the big story for Inter Miami supporters is that Lionel Messi looks set to return to the team. In recent weeks Tata Martino's side have been beset by a number of injuries, including Jordi Alba and Leonardo Campana.
While Messi should return it looks like Alba and Campana will be out for longer after neither were able to train this week. With that in mind, it's likely that Messi will join Josef Martinez and Facundo Farias in the Herons' frontline.
Messi set to play for Inter Miami
In the biggest clue yet about their talisman's fitness, Inter Miami have sent a pre-match post that shows the iconic 'Messi 10' on the back of a hanging Miami shirt. There had been much speculation that the Argentine would return tonight and this latest post seems to confirm it.
A massive boost for the Herons ahead of a huge MLS fixture.
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Is Lionel Messi playing for Inter Miami tonight? That's the question on everyone's lips as kick off nears at DRV PNK Stadium. The Miami captain has missed the last four fixtures but has been in full training this week.
With Miami's playoff hopes hanging by a thread, they desperate need a night of Messi magic this evening.
Who will win the MLS Golden Boot?
With just two full matchdays remaining, there are still a number of candidates to clinch the Golden Boot. Denis Bouanga is leading the way after his hat trick for LAFC last week, but Cincinnati captain Luciano Acosta is close behind him.
Acosta will be eager to showcase his talents against Inter Miami tonight, and the Herons' backline has looked very porous in recent weeks.
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Inter Miami forward Josef Martinez has revealed that the arrival of Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets has had a huge effect on the team's success off the pitch. The trio have improved the on-field result enormously but have also served to bring greater attention to the team and MLS more broadly.
Martinez told TUDN that he's noticed a change in the atmosphere in the stadium, courtesy of the arrival of the former Barcelona stars.
We have a fascinating MLS encounter on the cards tonight as Inter Miami host Cincinnati FC in a do-or-die match for the Herons.
Miami need a win to keep their playoff dreams alive, but they come up against a Cincinnati side who wrapped up the Supporters' Shield with weeks to spare. In most circumstances few would give Miami much chance of a result but they are expected to welcome back Lionel Messi after a four-game absence.
This could be a good one...