Inter Miami Cf vs Fc Cincinnati Picks and Predictions July 26th 2025

Messi and Alba Questionable as Inter Miami Hosts MLS-Leading Cincinnati

Inter Miami welcomes FC Cincinnati to Fort Lauderdale on Saturday night in a matchup that could shake up the MLS Eastern Conference standings. While both teams sit inside the top five, all eyes are on whether Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba will suit up after skipping the MLS All-Star Game.

Cincinnati Riding High After Shutting Down Messi

Cincinnati (15-6-3, 48 points) surged to the top of the East with a gritty 1-0 win over Real Salt Lake last weekend and carries momentum from its July 16 win over Inter Miami — a 3-0 shutout that snapped Messi’s league-record streak of five consecutive braces.

Their defensive blueprint worked to perfection in that game, limiting Messi’s touches and disrupting the rhythm of Inter’s attacking trio. But this rematch might look different depending on Messi’s availability.

Inter Miami’s Status Clouded by Star Absences

Miami (12-4-5, 41 points) enters the weekend in fifth place but has three matches in hand on every team above them. They bounced back impressively from their previous loss to Cincinnati by crushing the New York Red Bulls 5-1.

However, the focus has shifted to disciplinary protocol. According to MLS rules, All-Star selections who miss the match without injury or exemption face a mandatory one-game suspension. Neither Messi nor Alba participated on Wednesday, and no ruling has been made.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber acknowledged the gray area:

“Most of our teams had a 10-day break. Miami hasn’t… We have to manage that as a league. But we also have rules.”

If Messi and Alba are ruled out, Miami’s creative core will be severely limited.

Evander Continues to Shine for FC Cincinnati

Evander, who torched Inter Miami with two goals in the last meeting, continues to dominate. The Brazilian playmaker captained the MLS All-Star Team to a 3-1 win over Liga MX and set a new record in the Skills Challenge. His 23 total goal contributions this season rank third in the league.

Luca Orellano, who scored against Real Salt Lake, remains a crucial creative outlet. Cincinnati will be without Ahoueke Denkey, Obinna Nwobodo, and Yuya Kubo, all sidelined by lower-body injuries.

Miami Goalkeeper Situation Still Unsettled

With veteran keeper Oscar Ustari still nursing an injury, Inter Miami is likely to once again turn to backup Rocco Rios Novo between the posts. Maxi Falcon is also unavailable due to yellow card accumulation, adding to Miami’s lineup concerns.

Stakes High in Eastern Conference Clash

Cincinnati has a chance to create separation at the top, while Miami can make up ground quickly thanks to their game-in-hand advantage. But the entire match hinges on the health and eligibility of Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba. Without them, the edge leans heavily toward Cincinnati — a side already brimming with form and confidence.