Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF vie for a spot in the MLS Eastern Conference Playoff final with a semifinal matchup with FC Cincinnati Sunday night in Cincinnati.

Luis Suarez addresses critics as Inter Miami fights for its first Eastern Conference final berth against FC Cincinnati. Get preview, and playoff analysis.

FC Cincinnati ended their season with a 4-0 playoff defeat by Inter Miami CF, led by Lionel Messi's goal and three assists. The team now faces important roster decisions with 14 players' contracts expiring.

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,

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

Despite initial doubts, Inter Miami showcased their formidable prowess by decisively defeating FC Cincinnati, highlighted by an outstanding performance from Lionel Messi. Not only he scored and assisted but also matched a historic record held by Ferenc Puskas.

Messi and Inter Miami CF will play D.C. United in Baltimore on March 7 at 4:30 p.m. That game highlights the schedule release that Major League Soccer and D.C. United announced Thursday. One of the most renowned soccer players in the world, Messi leads the MLS in goals (29) and assists (19) this season.

Inter Miami CF head coach Javier Mascherano praised Luis Suarez for his reaction to being used a subsitute for the Eastern Conference semifinal against FC Cincinnati on Sunday night, saying it was not an easy call to leave him out of the starting XI.

For the MLS Eastern Conference semifinals between Inter Miami and FC Cincinnati, Luis Suarez has been left out of the starting lineup, a decision that raised questions among fans.