Will Lionel Messi play tonight for Inter Miami vs FC Cincinnati in MLS Cup playoffs?

Rajarshi has been part of Khel Now since 2022, and he covers world football.

Published at :November 23, 2025 at 6:15 PM

Modified at :November 23, 2025 at 6:15 PM

(Courtesy : Getty Images)

The Herons will hope to reach the MLS Cup final this term.

In the MLS Eastern Conference semifinal battle tonight, Lionel Messi and third-seeded Inter Miami will visit second-seeded FC Cincinnati in an attempt to extend their longest MLS Cup playoff run in club history.

During Miami’s three-game series triumph over Nashville SC in the first round, Messi was outstanding, scoring five goals and setting up three more.

Since Messi joined the squad in the summer of 2023, Inter Miami have a 7W-1D-3L record against Nashville SC, demonstrating their dominance.

The Herons’ record versus FC Cincinnati stands in sharp contrast; in two league games this season, Cincinnati defeated Miami 3-0 at home and drew 0-0 away.

Miami’s assault, which has the third-best xG per game in MLS history, will be crucial. But will he play?

The Herons appear more driven than ever at this point in the season, despite their lacklustre defence. They will be aware that they are theoretically the underdogs going into Cincinnati.

The visitors will look to pull off a shock win on the day to record their first away win against this opponent since 2021, thanks to their experience and class.

Also read: FC Cincinnati vs Inter Miami Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | MLS Cup 2025 playoffs Eastern Conference semi-finals

Will Lionel Messi play tonight?

Luis Suarez Lionel Messi Inter Miami — Luis Suarez centre-forward of Inter Miami and Uruguay celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group A match between Internacional CF Miami and SE Palmeiras at Hard Rock Stadium on June 23, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Yes, Lionel Messi is fit to play tonight. His presence will be crucial for his side when they take on Cincinnati. His performance in previous games has been nothing but sensational. He will be looking to continue in the same vein.

Lionel Messi, who scored five goals and provided three assists in the best-of-three series against Nashville SC, is undoubtedly Inter Miami’s lucky charm.

This season he has been in terrific form, and his goal-scoring form is a testament to it. The 2022 World Cup winner will once again be in the spotlight when they visit Cincinnati.

Eyes on Sunday 👀✈️ pic.twitter.com/HVuQV4UbQX
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) November 21, 2025

Will Lionel Messi play tonight?

Yes, he will play tonight.

Where did Inter Miami finish in the regular season?

They finished third.

Have Inter Miami won the MLS Cup?

No, they have never won.

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Rajarshi Shukla

After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.