Inter Miami vs Cincinnati: Projected lineups with Messi in the starting XI for the MLS match

nter Miami will visit FC Cincinnati in Week 21 of the 2025 Major League Soccer season following a 2-1 home victory over Nashville SC. Lionel Messi played a decisive role once again, scoring a brace for the fifth consecutive match and earning MVP honors.

Inter Miami CF will travel to face FC Cincinnati in Week 21 of the 2025 Major League Soccer season, following their recent 2-1 home victory over Nashville SC.

The Herons come into the match riding high after another standout performance from their Argentine captain, Lionel Messi. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner netted his fifth consecutive brace in MLS, earning MVP honors yet again. On the other side, Cincinnati suffered a tough loss, falling 4-2 to the Columbus Crew after squandering a first-half lead.

As things stand, the Ohio side sits second in the Eastern Conference with 42 points from 22 matches, just one point behind the Philadelphia Union, who have also played 22 games.

Meanwhile, Inter Miami holds fifth place in the standings with 38 points from 19 matches — and still has three games in hand, giving them a strong opportunity to climb the table.

Here are the projected lineups for what promises to be a high-stakes encounter. Cincinnati will look to extend its six-game unbeaten streak and aim for a sixth straight win, while Inter Miami continues to build momentum.

Projected lineups – Cincinnati vs. Inter Miami

FC Cincinnati: Roman Celentano; Miles Robinson, Matt Miazga, Lukas Engel; DeAndre Yedlin, Brian Anunga, Evander, Pavel Bucha, Luca Orellano; Kei Kamara, Ahoueke Steeve Kévin Denkey.

Inter Miami CF: Óscar Ustari; Marcelo Weigandt, Tomás Avilés, Maximiliano Falcón, Jordi Alba; Tadeo Allende, Federico Redondo, Sergio Busquets, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez.