Inter Miami's Eastern Conference Semifinal Opponent Revealed: Who Stands in Their Way?
Inter Miami has advanced to the MLS Cup playoffs' second round for the first time since becoming an MLS franchise in 2020.
The Herons, seeded third, face a challenging task ahead as they prepare to travel to second-seeded FC Cincinnati for a single-elimination match scheduled for November 22 or 23 in the Eastern Conference semifinal.
The victorious team from that encounter will move forward to meet either fifth-seeded New York City FC or the Supporters' Shield champions Philadelphia Union in the Eastern Conference final, joining the final four clubs in contention.
Although Miami must travel for their clash with FC Cincinnati, they could potentially host the Eastern Conference final with a victory and an NYCFC triumph over Philadelphia. Should they continue their run, hosting the MLS Cup on December 6 remains within reach.
This second playoff round represents uncharted territory for Inter Miami, and supporters will witness their first MLS single-elimination playoff match. Previously, Miami had only participated in the opening round's best-of-three format, a playoff structure exclusive to America's premier soccer league.
Messi in MVP Form
It had to be him. 🐐
Messi strikes first for @InterMiamiCF! // Audi MLS Cup Playoffs pic.twitter.com/TJyxbLvK9T
Miami faces a lengthy journey if they hope to capture the MLS Cup, but having Lionel Messi performing at an elite level provides significant momentum.
The 38-year-old Argentine recorded five goals and three assists across the three-game series against Nashville. This playoff display came after a regular season where he netted 29 goals and provided 19 assists in merely 29 appearances.
Despite being contracted through the 2028 season's conclusion, securing the MLS Cup remains paramount. Should Miami and Messi come up short, it would mark only the second campaign in Messi's professional journey without claiming a team championship.
Inter Miami vs. FC Cincinnati Last Five Matches
Date | Result |
|---|---|
July 26, 2025 | Inter Miami 0–0 FC Cincinnati |
July 16, 2025 | FC Cincinnati 3–0 Inter Miami |
Aug. 24, 2024 | Inter Miami 2–0 FC Cincinnati |
July 6, 2024 | FC Cincinnati 6–1 Inter Miami |
Oct. 7, 2023 | Inter Miami 0–1 FC Cincinnati |
Knockout Round Experience: Inter Miami and FC Cincinnati faced off in the 2023 U.S. Open Cup semifinals, their sole non-regular season encounter. Miami advanced via penalty shootout following a 3–3 stalemate.
Remaining Teams in the MLS Cup Playoffs
As Miami completed their opening round series on Saturday evening, nine clubs remained active in the MLS Cup playoffs, with nearly all first-round matchups concluded.
While Miami, Cincinnati, NYCFC and Philadelphia comprise the Eastern Conference's final quartet, the Western Conference boasts considerable star talent among its survivors.
Thomas Müller's Vancouver Whitecaps are scheduled to face Son Heung-min's LAFC in one Western Conference semifinal encounter. The other semifinal features either San Diego FC or the Portland Timbers against Minnesota United.
The Eastern Conference champion will battle the Western Conference winner in the MLS Cup, a winner-take-all contest to determine American soccer's supreme honor.