When Inter Miami CF and FC Cincinnati play in the Eastern Conference semifinal of the MLS Cup Playoffs, how will the winner be decided?

FC Cincinnati fell to Inter Miami CF 4-0 on Sunday in the Eastern Conference semifinals of the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs.

CINCINNATI (WXIX) - After winning the high-stakes “Hell Is Real” playoff series, FC Cincinnati is now preparing to play one of its strongest competitors in the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the Audi 2025 MLS Cup.

FC Cincinnati and Inter Miami played against each other twice in the regular season this year, and at TQL Stadium on July 16, 2025, Cincinnati defeated Inter Miami 3-0. For the game at Chase Stadium on July 26, 2025, Inter Miami and Cincinnati ended in a 0-0 draw.

Suarez was suspended from the previous game, which Miami won 4-0 over Nashville SC to advance to the knockout game at Cincinnati. He was replaced by 19-year-old Mateo Silvetti, who added pace and a new dynamic to the team’s attack.

Messi struck for his first-ever MLS postseason brace and added an assist on a Tadeo Allende goal in the second half, all as Miami put in a dominate performance behind their legendary captain. Messi pulled one back late for Inter Miami,