Elizabeth Flores, USA TODAYSun, November 23, 2025 at 11:01 AM UTC·1 min readThe 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs heads into the semifinals as FC Cincinnati host Inter Miami CF on Sunday at TQL Stadium as they continue their quest to the title.
Inter Miami secured a spot in the Eastern Conference semifinals by winning two out of three games against Nashville SC in the first-round series. Reigning MLS MVP Lionel Messi continued to shine in the postseason, scoring five goals with one assist and is the favorite to win the award for a second year in a row.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFC Cincinnati has advanced in the MLS Cup Playoffs after winning the best-of-three series 2-1 in the first round against Columbus Crew. Brenner Souza secured his team's place in the semifinals with two impressive goals in the second half of Game 3 against Columbus, earning Cincinnati a matchup against Inter Miami.
Now Inter Miami and FC Cincinnati head into a win-or-go-home Eastern Conference semifinal game, where the winner will secure a spot in the MLS Cup Final.
More: MLS playoff winners, losers: Messi, Minnesota United, LAFC impress in Round 1
Oct. 24, 2025: Lionel Messi scores a goal off a header against Nashville SC during the first half of a Round 1 playoff game at Chase Stadium. Messi scored two goals as Inter Miami won the first game of a best-of-three series, 3-1.
Oct. 24, 2025: MLS commissioner Don Garber presents the league's Golden Boot award for the most goals scored during the regular season to Lionel Messi before a playoff game against Nashville SC at Chase Stadium. Messi led MLS with 29 goals scored during the 2025 season.
Sept. 24, 2025: Lionel Messi celebrates his goal against New York City FC at Citi Field. Messi scored two goals in Inter Miami's 4-0 win.
July 5, 2025: Lionel Messi celebrates with his Inter Miami teammate after scoring a goal against CF Montreal during the first half at Saputo Stadium. Messi had two goals in Inter Miami's 4-1 win.
June 29, 2025: Lionel Messi is consoled by Paris Saint-Germain's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia during Inter Miami's 4-0 loss to PSG in the Round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
May 31, 2025: Lionel Messi scores a goal against the Columbus Crew at Chase Stadium. Messi scored two goals in Inter Miami's 5-1 win.
May 3, 2025: Lionel Messi celebrates with Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez (9) after scoring a goal against the New York Red Bulls at Chase Stadium. Inter Miami won the game, 4-1.
April 9, 2025: Lionel Messi scores against Los Angeles FC during the first half at Chase Stadium. Messi scored twice in the game as Inter Miami went on to defeat LAFC, 3-2 on aggregate, in their Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal matchup.
March 16, 2025: Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring a goal against Atlanta United during Inter Miami's 2-1 win at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Feb. 22, 2025: Lionel Messi (10) controls the ball during the MLS season-opening weekend match against New York City FC at Chase Stadium. Inter Miami tied NYCFC, 2-2, in the game.
Nov. 9, 2024: Lionel Messi leaves the pitch after Inter Miami's first-round playoff loss to Atlanta United at Chase Stadium.
Oct. 2, 2024: Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring a goal against the Columbus Crew during the first half at Lower.com Field. Messi scored twice in Inter Miami's 3-2 win, which clinched the MLS Supporters' Shield.
Sept. 14, 2024: Lionel Messi celebrates a goal scored against the Philadelphia Union at Chase Stadium. Messi scored two goals in the 3-1 Inter Miami win.
April 27, 2024: Lionel Messi attempts a corner kick against the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium. Messi scored two goals in Inter Miami's 4-1 win. A crowd of 65,612 showed up at Gillette Stadium, setting a New England Revolution home attendance record (previous high: 61,316 for 2002 MLS Cup).
April 20, 2024: Lionel Messi shakes hands with the officials after the game against Nashville SC at Chase Stadium. Messi scored two goals in Inter Miami's 3-1 win.
April 6, 2024: Lionel Messi and the Colorado Rapids' Kimani Stewart-Baynes (27) battle for the ball during the second half at Chase Stadium. Messi scored a goal for Inter Miami in a 2-2 draw.
March 13, 2024: Lionel Messi celebrates with Luis Suarez after scoring a goal against Nashville SC during the second leg of a Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 match. Inter Miami won the game, 3-1, and advanced on aggregate 5-3, to the quarterfinals.
March 2, 2024: Lionel Messi talks to the media after Inter Miami's 5-0 win against Orlando City at Chase Stadium. Messi scored two goals in the win.
Feb. 25, 2024: Lionel Messi scores an equalizing goal past Los Angeles Galaxy goalkeeper John McCarthy during the second half at Dignity Health Sports Park. Messi's goal salvaged a 1-1 draw for Inter Miami on the road in Carson, California.
Feb. 21, 2024: Lionel Messi reacts after a 2-0 season-opening win over Real Salt Lake at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Nov. 10, 2023: Lionel Messi poses with the Ballon d'Or trophy before Inter Miami's friendly against New York City at DRV PNK Stadium.
Sept. 20, 2023: Lionel Messi places the captains armband on defender DeAndre Yedlin after being subbed off during the first half of Inter Miami's 4-0 win over Toronto FC at DRV PNK Stadium.
Sept. 3, 2023: Lionel Messi and Los Angeles FC's Mateusz Bogusz (19) battle for the ball during the second half of Inter Miami's 3-1 win at BMO Stadium.
Aug. 30, 2023: Inter Miami's DeAndre Yedlin (2) and Lionel Messi hoist the Leagues Cup trophy before the game against Nashville SC at DRV PNK Stadium.
Aug. 26, 2023: Lionel Messi (10) celebrates after scoring a goal against the New York Red Bulls with teammate Benjamin Cremaschi (30) during the second half at Red Bull Arena. Inter Miami won, 2-0, in what was Messi's first MLS regular-season game.
Aug. 23, 2023: Lionel Messi celebrates with Facundo Farias (11) after defeating FC Cincinnati in penalty kicks in the U.S. Open Cup semifinals at TQL Stadium.
Aug. 19, 2023: Messi during the trophy ceremony for the Leagues Cup Championship match.
Aug. 19, 2023: Messi waves after winning the Leagues Cup final against Nashville.
Aug. 15, 2023: Messi reacts after scoring against the Philadelphia Union. Inter Miami won the Leagues Cup semifinal, 4-1.
Aug. 11, 2023: Messi celebrates after scoring against Charlotte FC in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals.
Aug. 6, 2023: Lionel Messi scores in penalty kicks against FC Dallas in a Leagues Cup Round of 16 knockout game.
Aug. 6, 2023: Messi celebrates a goal against FC Dallas with teammate Jordi Alba.
Aug. 2, 2023: Lionel Messi scores a goal past Orlando City SC goalkeeper Pedro Gallese during the Leagues Cup.
July 25, 2023: Lionel Messi celebrates a goal against Atlanta United during the Leagues Cup.
July 21, 2023: Lionel Messi celebrates scoring a game-winning goal against Cruz Azul during the Leagues Cup opener.
July 21, 2023: Lionel Messi celebrates a goal against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup opener.
July 16, 2023: Lionel Messi was introduced as a Miami player at an event at DRV PNK Stadium.
July 16, 2023: Lionel Messi was introduced as a Miami player at an event at DRV PNK Stadium.1 / 38Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Oct. 24, 2025: Lionel Messi scores a goal off a header against Nashville SC during the first half of a Round 1 playoff game at Chase Stadium. Messi scored two goals as Inter Miami won the first game of a best-of-three series, 3-1.1 / 38Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Oct. 24, 2025: Lionel Messi scores a goal off a header against Nashville SC during the first half of a Round 1 playoff game at Chase Stadium. Messi scored two goals as Inter Miami won the first game of a best-of-three series, 3-1.2 / 38Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Oct. 24, 2025: MLS commissioner Don Garber presents the league's Golden Boot award for the most goals scored during the regular season to Lionel Messi before a playoff game against Nashville SC at Chase Stadium. Messi led MLS with 29 goals scored during the 2025 season.3 / 38Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Sept. 24, 2025: Lionel Messi celebrates his goal against New York City FC at Citi Field. Messi scored two goals in Inter Miami's 4-0 win.4 / 38Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
July 5, 2025: Lionel Messi celebrates with his Inter Miami teammate after scoring a goal against CF Montreal during the first half at Saputo Stadium. Messi had two goals in Inter Miami's 4-1 win.
5 / 38Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
June 29, 2025: Lionel Messi is consoled by Paris Saint-Germain's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia during Inter Miami's 4-0 loss to PSG in the Round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.6 / 38Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
May 31, 2025: Lionel Messi scores a goal against the Columbus Crew at Chase Stadium. Messi scored two goals in Inter Miami's 5-1 win.
7 / 38Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
May 3, 2025: Lionel Messi celebrates with Inter Miami teammate Luis Suarez (9) after scoring a goal against the New York Red Bulls at Chase Stadium. Inter Miami won the game, 4-1.
8 / 38Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
April 9, 2025: Lionel Messi scores against Los Angeles FC during the first half at Chase Stadium. Messi scored twice in the game as Inter Miami went on to defeat LAFC, 3-2 on aggregate, in their Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal matchup.9 / 38Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
March 16, 2025: Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring a goal against Atlanta United during Inter Miami's 2-1 win at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.10 / 38Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Feb. 22, 2025: Lionel Messi (10) controls the ball during the MLS season-opening weekend match against New York City FC at Chase Stadium. Inter Miami tied NYCFC, 2-2, in the game.11 / 38Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Nov. 9, 2024: Lionel Messi leaves the pitch after Inter Miami's first-round playoff loss to Atlanta United at Chase Stadium.12 / 38Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Oct. 2, 2024: Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring a goal against the Columbus Crew during the first half at Lower.com Field. Messi scored twice in Inter Miami's 3-2 win, which clinched the MLS Supporters' Shield.13 / 38Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Sept. 14, 2024: Lionel Messi celebrates a goal scored against the Philadelphia Union at Chase Stadium. Messi scored two goals in the 3-1 Inter Miami win.14 / 38Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
April 27, 2024: Lionel Messi attempts a corner kick against the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium. Messi scored two goals in Inter Miami's 4-1 win. A crowd of 65,612 showed up at Gillette Stadium, setting a New England Revolution home attendance record (previous high: 61,316 for 2002 MLS Cup).15 / 38Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
April 20, 2024: Lionel Messi shakes hands with the officials after the game against Nashville SC at Chase Stadium. Messi scored two goals in Inter Miami's 3-1 win.16 / 38Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
April 6, 2024: Lionel Messi and the Colorado Rapids' Kimani Stewart-Baynes (27) battle for the ball during the second half at Chase Stadium. Messi scored a goal for Inter Miami in a 2-2 draw.17 / 38Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
March 13, 2024: Lionel Messi celebrates with Luis Suarez after scoring a goal against Nashville SC during the second leg of a Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 match. Inter Miami won the game, 3-1, and advanced on aggregate 5-3, to the quarterfinals.18 / 38Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
March 2, 2024: Lionel Messi talks to the media after Inter Miami's 5-0 win against Orlando City at Chase Stadium. Messi scored two goals in the win.19 / 38Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Feb. 25, 2024: Lionel Messi scores an equalizing goal past Los Angeles Galaxy goalkeeper John McCarthy during the second half at Dignity Health Sports Park. Messi's goal salvaged a 1-1 draw for Inter Miami on the road in Carson, California.20 / 38Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Feb. 21, 2024: Lionel Messi reacts after a 2-0 season-opening win over Real Salt Lake at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.21 / 38Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Nov. 10, 2023: Lionel Messi poses with the Ballon d'Or trophy before Inter Miami's friendly against New York City at DRV PNK Stadium.22 / 38Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Sept. 20, 2023: Lionel Messi places the captains armband on defender DeAndre Yedlin after being subbed off during the first half of Inter Miami's 4-0 win over Toronto FC at DRV PNK Stadium.23 / 38Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Sept. 3, 2023: Lionel Messi and Los Angeles FC's Mateusz Bogusz (19) battle for the ball during the second half of Inter Miami's 3-1 win at BMO Stadium.24 / 38Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Aug. 30, 2023: Inter Miami's DeAndre Yedlin (2) and Lionel Messi hoist the Leagues Cup trophy before the game against Nashville SC at DRV PNK Stadium.25 / 38Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Aug. 26, 2023: Lionel Messi (10) celebrates after scoring a goal against the New York Red Bulls with teammate Benjamin Cremaschi (30) during the second half at Red Bull Arena. Inter Miami won, 2-0, in what was Messi's first MLS regular-season game.26 / 38Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Aug. 23, 2023: Lionel Messi celebrates with Facundo Farias (11) after defeating FC Cincinnati in penalty kicks in the U.S. Open Cup semifinals at TQL Stadium.27 / 38Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Aug. 19, 2023: Messi during the trophy ceremony for the Leagues Cup Championship match.28 / 38Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Aug. 19, 2023: Messi waves after winning the Leagues Cup final against Nashville.29 / 38Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Aug. 15, 2023: Messi reacts after scoring against the Philadelphia Union. Inter Miami won the Leagues Cup semifinal, 4-1.30 / 38Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Aug. 11, 2023: Messi celebrates after scoring against Charlotte FC in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals.31 / 38Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Aug. 6, 2023: Lionel Messi scores in penalty kicks against FC Dallas in a Leagues Cup Round of 16 knockout game.32 / 38Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Aug. 6, 2023: Messi celebrates a goal against FC Dallas with teammate Jordi Alba.33 / 38Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
Aug. 2, 2023: Lionel Messi scores a goal past Orlando City SC goalkeeper Pedro Gallese during the Leagues Cup.34 / 38Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
July 25, 2023: Lionel Messi celebrates a goal against Atlanta United during the Leagues Cup.35 / 38Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
July 21, 2023: Lionel Messi celebrates scoring a game-winning goal against Cruz Azul during the Leagues Cup opener.36 / 38Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
July 21, 2023: Lionel Messi celebrates a goal against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup opener.37 / 38Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
July 16, 2023: Lionel Messi was introduced as a Miami player at an event at DRV PNK Stadium.38 / 38Lionel Messi in MLS: Photos from soccer star's tenure with Inter Miami
July 16, 2023: Lionel Messi was introduced as a Miami player at an event at DRV PNK Stadium.How to watch Inter Miami vs. FC Cincinnati
Inter Miami will travel to TQL Stadium to take on FC Cincinnati on Sunday, November 23.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDate: Sunday, November 23
Time: 5 p.m. ET
Stream: Apple TV
Location: TQL Stadium (Cincinnati, Ohio)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Inter Miami vs Cincinnati in MLS Cup playoffs semifinal, how to watch
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