Inter Miami will host FC Cincinnati in a matchup of two of the top five teams in the Eastern Conference on Saturday night in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. FC Cincinnati (15-6-3, 48 points) blanked Inter Miami 3-0 on July 16 and surged to the top spot in the conference following a 1-0 win over Real Salt Lake last Saturday.

Lionel Messi was absent in the MLS All-Star Game, and Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano delivered an update on the legend's status. Lionel Messi’s last-minute absence from the MLS All-Star Game on Wednesday raised questions about whether the Inter Miami star was dealing with an injury or had simply opted out.

Fans are expecting to see Argentina legend Lionel Messi take the pitch at TQL Stadium for only the second time since he joined Inter Miami in July, 2023. The first time came in the semifinals of the U.S. Open Cup, when Miami eliminated Cincinnati in penalty kicks following a 3-3 draw.