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FC Cincinnati Faces Ultimate Test as Lionel Messi, Inter Miami Visit
After a painful loss to their biggest rivals, the task doesn’t get any easier for FC Cincinnati. They will look to bounce back on Wednesday night as they face the ultimate test in Major League Soccer: Lionel Messi and the surging Inter Miami CF. This marquee matchup pits two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference against each other as FC Cincinnati tries to defend its home pitch.
The Messi Factor
Inter Miami is on a five-game winning streak in league play, and the reason is simple: Lionel Messi. The international superstar is coming off another spectacular performance, scoring both goals in a 2-1 victory over Nashville on Saturday. With 16 goals on the season, he is in the thick of the Golden Boot race and continues to perform at a level rarely seen.
“There aren’t very many words. It’s incredible what he continues to do,” said Miami coach Tata Martino. “He is the flag for our team. He is the one. He’s the leader. He shows us the way to compete.”
Cincy’s Bounce-Back Bid
FC Cincinnati is coming off a heartbreaking 4-2 loss to the rival Columbus Crew, a match in which they surrendered a two-goal lead. Despite the loss, they remain in second place in the East, and they are getting a key piece back for this crucial match. Veteran defender Nick Hagglund has returned from a long-term rib injury, and his leadership will be a major boost to the backline.
“He’s been present and his energy, his leadership, has been felt the entire period of time,” Cincy coach Pat Noonan said. The home side will also rely on their own All-Star midfielder, Evander, who has 13 goals on the season.
A Clash of Contenders
This match is the first of two meetings in just 11 days between these two Eastern Conference powerhouses. The results will have a major impact on the playoff picture. The game features two of the league’s most potent attacks, a topic often explored in our expert betting guide. The scores and odds for this match will reflect a tight, high-stakes affair. To see who our experts are backing in this showdown, check out our daily soccer picks.
