Inter Miami will travel to TQL Stadium on May 13 for an important Eastern Conference clash against FC Cincinnati as Lionel Messi and co. continue their push near the top of the MLS standings.
Miami head into the match after a 4-2 win over Toronto FC, while Cincinnati are coming off a 2-2 draw against Charlotte FC.
Lionel Messi will once again be one of the main players to watch heading into the match. The Argentine star recently became the fastest player in MLS history to reach 100 goal contributions and continues to lead Miami’s attack alongside Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul.
FC Cincinnati vs Inter Miami Expected Lineups
FC Cincinnati are expected to start Roman Celentano in goal, with Miles Robinson and Matt Miazga leading the defense.
Evander, Pavel Bucha and Obinna Nwobodo are likely to feature in midfield, while Kevin Denkey is expected to lead the attack after scoring consistently this season. Kyle Smith is available again after suspension, but Alvas Powell, Ayoub Jabbari and Teenage Hadebe remain injury doubts.
Cincinnati lineup:
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Goalkeeper: Celentano
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Defenders: Smith, Miazga, Robinson
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Midfielders: Bucha, Nwobodo, Evander, Valenzuela, Ramirez
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Forwards: Dem, Denkey
Lionel Messi controls the ball during the MLS match between Inter Miami CF and New York Red Bulls.Photo by Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images
Inter Miami are expected to continue with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez leading the attack.
Dayne St. Clair should keep his place in goal, while Maximiliano Falcón, Noah Allen and Gonzalo Luján are likely to feature in defense.
Rodrigo De Paul and Telasco Segovia are expected to start in midfield. Sergio Reguilón could also retain his place after returning from injury and scoring his first MLS goal last weekend.
Inter Miami:
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Goalkeeper: St. Clair
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Defenders: Mura, Falcón, Allen, Reguilón
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Midfielders: Bright, De Paul, Segovia
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Forwards: Messi, Suárez, Berterame
Miami have very few injury concerns heading into the match, although Ian Fray remains doubtful after missing recent games.
FC Cincinnati vs Inter Miami Predictions and Score
Cincinnati have been involved in several high-scoring matches this season, while Miami’s attack continues to produce goals consistently with Messi and Suárez leading them.
The Herons’ recent attacking form could give them an edge, especially with Messi continuing to create and score regularly. However, Cincinnati’s home form and their attacking quality should keep the contest close.
Our predicted score is FC Cincinnati 2-3 Inter Miami.
FC Cincinnati vs Inter Miami Head-to-Head Record
The most recent meeting between the teams was in 2025 when Inter Miami defeated Cincinnati 4-0 at TQL Stadium during the MLS playoffs, with Messi among the scorers.
Overall, Miami are unbeaten in three of their last four competitive matches against Cincinnati and have managed to keep clean sheets in three of those games.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 PM EDT on May 13, 2026.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on May 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the Soccer section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
