Will Lionel Messi play tonight for Inter Miami vs FC Cincinnati in MLS 2025?

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

Published at :July 16, 2025 at 3:32 PM

Modified at :July 16, 2025 at 3:32 PM

(Courtesy : Getty)

Messi has been in extraordinary form for his club.

Tonight, FC Cincinnati will host Inter Miami at TQL Stadium in a matchup between two of Major League Soccer’s best clubs.

The Herons, led by Lionel Messi, have won all five of their recent MLS games, while Cincinnati’s last week defeat against the Columbus Crew ended their recent winning run.

It will be difficult to win all three points in this game for Inter Miami, despite the fact that they are entering the match on a five-game winning streak in Major League Soccer.

In each of those wins, the renowned Argentine has spectacularly scored a brace and provided four assists, propelling the Herons to fifth place in the Eastern Conference.

Even while that standing seems unimpressive on paper, Javier Mascherano’s team has played a few fewer matches than their opponents.

The Herons only participated in 19 league games because Inter Miami participated in the Club World Cup, where they advanced from the group stage before losing to Paris Saint-Germain 4-0 in the round of 16. This means they have three games still left to play.

Thus, Inter Miami will try to maintain their winning streak, particularly as they stand to gain three points, which will see them climb to third place with better goal difference.

Also Read: Nashville SC vs Columbus Crew Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds

Will Lionel Messi play tonight?

Lionel Messi Getty — ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JUNE 19: Lionel Messi of Inter Miami CF celebrates scoring their second goal during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group A match between Internacional CF Miami and FC Porto at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on June 19, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

Messi’s incredible form makes it almost a given that the attacker will lead the line. Messi scored two goals each in the last three MLS matches since returning from the Club World Cup. He has guided Miami to a win, demonstrating his enormous impact against Nashville.

Messi is fit and should be starting again for his side, and will look to be the focal point of the game.

Two unforgettable years of Messi 🪄 History in the making 💗 pic.twitter.com/ijixHBGWNj
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 15, 2025

The Herons will have a difficult game tonight, though, as they take on Cincinnati, who are ranked second in the Eastern Conference league, and will put Miami to the test.

How many goals has Messi scored in MLS this season?

Messi has netted 16 goals in 16 matches MLS 2025 so far.

Where are Inter Miami in the current standings of the Eastern Conference League?

Inter Miami are fifth in the standings of the league.

Who is the top scorer in MLS this season?

Messi is the top scorer in MLS this season.

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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.