Inter Miami have not been a good team without Lionel Messi this season, and are more reliant on him than ever. Meanwhile, they are also down to unnatural left backs, allowing Evander and FC Cincinnati to take advantage out wide, giving them the favorite tag heading into the clash.

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.