Messi will play against Cincinnati for only the second time since joining Inter Miami and is looking for his first career goal against them. Messi did convert a penalty kick in a shootout win for Miami on Aug. 23, 2023, in the U.S. Open Cup semifinals.

Lionel Messi’s MLS-record streak of scoring multiple goals in five straight matches ended in Inter Miami’s 3-0 loss to FC Cincinnati.

MLS MVP frontrunners, Evander and Lionel Messi, faced off July 16 at TQL Stadium. The FC Cincinnati star left with a stronger case for the award.