That deficit means Tigres must mount an improbable comeback at home if they hope to turn this tie around and keep their continental campaign alive. A win, draw or loss carries high drama and could define the rest of this tournament.

No matter the outcome, tonight’s game is about more than just a result, it’s about momentum, confidence and the fight to control the narrative in one of Concacaf’s most exciting knockout ties.

What happens if Tigres UANL beat FC Cincinnati today?

Tigres UANL need to beat FC Cincinnati by 3-0 or a four-goal margin today to advance to the quarterfinals of the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, where they would face the Seattle Sounders.

A 3-0 win for Tigres would send the match to overtime, with penalties being the tirebreaker if the draw persists in extra time. However, if Cincinnati score, a three-goal margin won’t be enough for Tigres due to the away goals rule.

What happens if Tigres UANL and FC Cincinnati tie?

If Tigres UANL tie today, FC Cincinnati will advance to the quarterfinals. In this two‑leg knockout series, a draw in the second leg would leave Cincinnati with a superior aggregate score from the first leg.

What happens if Tigres UANL lose to FC Cincinnati today?

If Tigres UANL lose to FC Cincinnati today, Chris Albright’s team will advance, and Tigres will be eliminated. A loss in the second leg would widen their lead on aggregate and make it impossible for Guido Pizzaro’s side to catch up.

As if soccer fans across the globe haven’t grown accustomed to it by now, Lionel Messi delivered another unstoppable night in the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. With a ticket to the Eastern Conference Final on the line, the 38-year-old star turned back the clock, putting on a vintage performance for Inter Miami.

Following the game, Messi posted a clear reminder for both his teammates and the fanbase: the job is far from finished. The Herons will head into the Eastern Conference Final in sky-high spirits, but they know the mission is still ahead.

“Let’s go! Great match from the whole team against an opponent that had always been very tough for us,” Lionel Messi wrote on an Instagram post after the 4-0 victory. “One more step…”

Messi’s night

Not only did Messi score a header to open the scoring against FC Cincinnati, he made sure to put the final nail in the coffin for the Grays, who were blown out of the water at home in The Queen City.

Since joining the club in Fort Lauderdale, Messi’s Herons had never beaten FC Cincinnati, nor had Messi scored against them. However, in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Messi and company slayed their ghosts from the past in statement fashion.

Messi scored the game-winning goal and was directly involved on every score of the night. Finishing the night with a goal and three assists, Messi proved no climb is too steep, nor distance too far for him to lead Inter Miami. Now, the Herons will be playing for the Eastern Conference Championship. Fans are still waiting to learn who Messi and Inter Miami will be playing next in the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. It will be one of No. 1 Philadelphia Union or No. 5 New York City FC.

Inter Miami can dream thanks to Messi

With Messi defying Father Time and playing in red-hot form, the Herons have every reason to believe they can hoist the first MLS Cup trophy in club history. He already carried them to a Leagues Cup title, but winning the league would elevate Inter Miami to an entirely different tier among MLS clubs.

Messi scored the opening goal in the 19th minute, and the victory was later sealed with goals from Mateo Silvetti in the 57th minute and Tadeo Allende in the 62nd and 74th minutes, keeping Inter Miami’s championship ambitions alive and setting the stage for the next high-stakes match in the Eastern Conference.

The team’s performance reflected Mascherano’s tactical acumen, balancing pressing intensity and defensive discipline. Every possession was calculated, and key players were managed to maintain freshness throughout the match, ensuring Inter Miami could sustain energy for the upcoming challenge.

With the win secured, Messi’s team now looks ahead to the next opponent, while fans and analysts anticipate how Messi and his teammates will approach the final stages of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Who are Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami playing next?

After defeating FC Cincinnati 4–0, Inter Miami will face New York City FC on Saturday in the Eastern Conference Final of the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs at Chase Stadium. New York City advanced after defeating the Philadelphia Union 1–0.

Playoff path and stakes

Inter Miami advanced by eliminating Nashville SC in Round One and FC Cincinnati in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The other Eastern semifinal features Philadelphia Union vs. New York City FC.

The Eastern Conference Final, scheduled for November 29–30, 2025, will determine which team advances to the MLS Cup Final. This marks Inter Miami’s first-ever appearance in the Eastern Conference Final, with Messi expected to lead the club toward a historic first MLS Cup Final.

Facing FC Cincinnati on the road at TQL Stadium in the Conference Semifinals, Inter Miami needed Messi to steer them to safe harbor. In such a pivotal win-or-go-home matchup in the MLS Cup Playoffs, the star in Vice City made sure to perform, finding the back of the net to open the scoring.

One would imagine FC Cincinnati would keep their eyes on Messi at all times. However, the little magician still found a way to fly under the radar and make an immediate impact in the decisive showdown.

Messi got loose inside the penalty box, and the Herons’ star made Cincinnati pay with a great header to give his team an early 1-0 lead. Mateo Silvetti delivered a perfect cross that fell right into Messi’s path. All the Argentinian star had to do was get his head on it, and the ball drifted into the lower-left corner of the goal.

Messi’s first ever goal against FC Cincinnati

Coming into this game, Messi had faced FC Cincinnati twice since joining Inter Miami. The first meeting was in the 2023 U.S. Open Cup, when the Herons and the Garys tied 3-3. Although he registered two assists, Messi had never scored against the club in the Queen City. He was also held scoreless during this year’s 3-0 loss to FC Cincinnati. However, in their biggest matchup yet, Messi has now scored his first goal against them—one that could prove pivotal.

What’s at stake?

The winner between FC Cincinnati and Inter Miami will move on to the Eastern Conference Final in the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. Although both teams finished the regular season with 65 points, FC Cincinnati secured home-field advantage against Inter Miami thanks to their 20 wins in the campaign—the Herons registered 19.

Whichever side comes out on top will go on to face the winner of the Semifinal between the No. 1 Philadelphia Union and No. 5 New York City FC. Both the Orange and Blue and the Herons would need NYCFC to win in order to play at home in the Conference Final. Otherwise, either team will have to travel to the City of Brotherly Love.

With this result, Inter Miami qualified for the Eastern Conference final, where they will wait for the winner of the Philadelphia Union vs. New York City matchup.

The visitors dictated the tempo early, stretching Cincinnati’s back line and finding pockets of space that repeatedly opened lanes into the final third. Miami’s midfield moved the ball with purpose, and every time Messi drifted between lines, Cincinnati were forced to adjust. That tactical imbalance grew more evident as the match progressed, allowing Miami to create cleaner chances while Cincinnati struggled to generate consistent danger in transition.

By the closing stages, Miami were firmly in control, protecting their lead with maturity and forcing Cincinnati to chase a game that had already tilted out of reach. Messi’s hat-trick of assists underscored his role as the match’s defining figure, elevating Miami’s collective performance and setting the tone for what could be a deep postseason run. Miami head to the conference final with confidence, while Cincinnati face a tough end to an otherwise strong campaign.

Inter Miami enter this contest buoyed by their impressive victory over Nashville, having netted a total of nine goals across the series, with Messi contributing five of them. His influence on the pitch is crucial to Miami’s chances of advancing to the next stage of the MLS Cup.

Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets are potential key figures for Miami as they rely on their squad’s talent in this crucial match, scheduled for a 5 p.m. ET kickoff.

Conversely, FC Cincinnati are well aware of the formidable task ahead. They are placing their hopes in key talents such as Brenner Souza Da Silva, Samuel Gidi, and Evander to rise to the occasion.

What happens if Messi’s Inter Miami beat Cincinnati today?

If Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami triumphs over FC Cincinnati, they will advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. As this stage requires teams to compete in single-elimination matches to progress, only the outcome matters, making a victory imperative.

In the Eastern Conference Finals, should Inter Miami succeed, they will face the winner of the clash between Philadelphia Union and New York City FC, whose match follows Miami’s.

What happens if Inter Miami and Cincinnati tie?

If Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami draws against FC Cincinnati, the match will proceed to extra time, consisting of two 15-minute halves. If the deadlock persists, a penalty shootout will determine which team advances.

What happens if Messi’s Inter Miami lose to Cincinnati?

If Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami fall to FC Cincinnati, their MLS Cup journey will end. Such a result would mark another year without the iconic title in U.S. soccer for Messi and his fellow stars.

Lionel Messi is anticipated to play for Inter Miami vs FC Cincinnati in today’s crucial matchup, following an injury report indicating that only David Ruiz will be sidelined for the conference semifinal clash.

Contributing five of the nine goals in the preceding round against Nashville, Messi has shown an unyielding desire to secure the title this season. His presence on the field is expected to significantly impact Inter Miami‘s performance, either through goals or assists, as they face a determined Cincinnati team looking to derail Miami’s championship aspirations.

Cincinnati are set to field a full-strength lineup, featuring key players like Brenner Souza-Da-Silva, whose two decisive goals catapulted Cincinnati into this stage against Inter Miami.

Inter Miami’s predicted lineup

With Messi slated to participate in today’s game, head coach Javier Mascherano is also likely to consider Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba, alongside the Argentine superstar, for this crucial encounter in the MLS against Cincinnati.

Here is the predicted lineup for Inter Miami:

• Goalkeeper: Novo
• Defenders: Weigandt, Falcon, Allen, Alba
• Midfielders: Busquets, De Paul, Allende
• Forwards: Suarez, Silvetti, Messi

Inter Miami’s progress under Javier Mascherano is unmistakable, as the team has built a formidable defensive line. The addition of Maximiliano Falcon and the outstanding play of Tomas Aviles and Gonzalo Lujan have brought renewed stability to the squad. Despite not being well-recognized, Sergio Busquets impressive shape has algo contributed to Miami’s solid back-end.

Moreover, the team maintains a blistering pace on offense, with Tadeo Allende and Telasco Segovia providing explosive speed on the wings. Their dynamic contributions seamlessly complement the legendary skills of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, who command the final third with remarkable efficiency. However, fans are expressing significant doubt about whether the Argentine legend will be present for today’s critical matchup against FC Cincinnati.

Will Messi play against FC Cincinnati today?

After missing the All-Star game, Major League Soccer has suspended Lionel Messi for one game. This decision means he will miss the crucial match against FC Cincinnati. In his absence, Fafa Picault has the opportunity to take on a more prominent role, filling the Argentine star’s position alongside Luis Suarez.

This suspension ends Messi’s streak of 19 consecutive starts with Inter Miami. The last time he was not in the lineup was on April 27, 2025, against FC Dallas, which resulted in a loss. His confirmed absence raises doubts among fans, as they wonder how the team will fare without him. Messi rarely leaves the field, having played 90 minutes in each of the team’s last nine games.

Inter Miami’s predicted lineup vs FC Cincinnati

While Lionel Messi’s absence is one of the most significant, Inter Miami have several important absentees facing FC Cincinnati. Along with the Argentine star, Jordi Alba has also been suspended for the same reason. Adding to the list, Maximiliano Falcon misses the game due to accumulated yellow cards. Injuries further deplete the squad, sidelining Ostar Ustari, Allen Obando, Baltasar Rodriguez, Ian Fray, and Drake Callender.

Taking these absences into account, Inter Miami could line up as follows against FC Cincinnati: Rocco Rios Novo; Marcelo Weigandt, Tomas Aviles, Gonzalo Lujan, Noah Allen; Tadeo Allende, Federico Redondo, Sergio Busquets, Telasco Segovia; Fafa Picault, Luis Suarez.

[Watch Motagua vs FC Cincinnati live for FREE in the USA on Fubo]

The first round of the Concacaf Champions Cup continues with FC Cincinnati set to make their debut in the tournament. While they may not be one of the favorites to win the competition, they remain determined to fight until the end.

Cincinnati are considered the favorite, facing Motagua from the Honduran league. Motagua are aware of the challenge ahead, acknowledging the higher competition level that Cincinnati face, but they are confident they can pull off an upset and advance to the round of 16, where Tigres UANL await.

When will the Motagua vs FC Cincinnati match be played?

The game for the first leg of the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup first round between Motagua and FC Cincinnati will be played this Wednesday, February 19 at 10:00 PM (ET).

Motagua vs FC Cincinnati: Time by State in the USA

ET: 10:00 PM

CT: 9:00 PM

MT: 8:00 PM

PT: 7:00 PM

How to watch Motagua vs FC Cincinnati in the USA

This 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup game between Motagua and FC Cincinnati will be broadcast in the United States on Fubo (free trial). Other options: FS2, DirecTV Stream, ViX.

In a forgettable night for Gerardo Martino’s side, Miami conceded six in a humiliating 6-1 defeat to the hosts. To make things worse, Cincinnati leapfrogged Inter Miami in the 2024 MLS standings.

Thanks to this commanding victory, Pat Noonan’s boys are now leading the Eastern Conference table with 48 points, one more than Martino’s men. On top of that, Cincinnati have a game in hand.

Inter Miami, who apart from Messi also missed Luis Suarez — who didn’t start for Uruguay against Brazil but still celebrated his nation’s qualification for the Copa America semis — got down to 10 men with Sergio Busquets seeing the red card after 62′, but they were already losing 5-1 by then.

Gerardo Martino’s reaction to Inter Miami’s embarrassing loss

Speaking to the media postgame, Martino admitted his side was never in control of the game, as the hosts were completely dominant from start to finish and were fair winners of the match.

“The opponent outplayed us, and we have to take note of that,” Martino said. “Cincinnati is one of the top three teams in the league; we are not yet in that position despite having good results and performances. We need to keep working, and as we always say, we aim to have the full squad ready for the final stretch of the league.”

How Inter Miami have fared with Messi at the Copa America?

Even though Messi’s presence on the field changes everything, Inter Miami haven’t struggled so much with him at the 2024 Copa America until this terrible defeat.

Before they conceded six to Cincinnati, the Herons had claimed four wins out of four games since Messi left to represent Argentina in June. Following a late win in Philadelphia, Miami picked up consecutive 2-1 wins against Columbus Crew, Nashville, and Charlotte. Still, it only took one big loss to drop in the standings.

This summer, drama surrounds the Juventus midfielder regarding his future, as talks of a contract renewal with Juventus have stalled once again.

Juventus reportedly considered a solution involving a transfer and trade deal to bring Douglas Luiz to the club, but McKennie turned down a move to Aston Villa due to salary demands.

What kind of salary is Weston McKennie seeking?

According to Forza Juventus, McKennie is demanding an annual salary of 5 million euros, approximately two million more than his current earnings. Juventus is hesitant to meet McKennie’s salary demand, although the midfielder remains under contract until next season after an impressive campaign, finishing among the team’s top assist providers.

A surprising development emerged on Thursday: MLS club FC Cincinnati is reportedly willing to pay a $15 million transfer fee to acquire McKennie.

Additionally, there is speculation that Napoli, now managed by Antonio Conte, is interested in the American midfielder and could make a move.