How to watch Inter Miami take on first-place FC Cincinnati without suspended Messi
On July 16, FC Cincinnati did what no one else had managed in over a month: hold Lionel Messi scoreless and shut out Inter Miami. The 3-0 result ended Miami’s six-match unbeaten streak in league play and brought a halt to Messi’s unprecedented run of five consecutive multi-goal MLS performances.
The rematch arrives quickly, and this time, Miami won’t have Messi and Jordi Alba in the lineup. MLS suspended both stars for skipping the All-Star Game on Wednesday. Here’s how you can catch their club take on FC Cincinnati on Saturday night.
How to watch Inter Miami vs. FC Cincinnati
- Venue: Chase Stadium — Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
- Time: 7:15 p.m. ET, Saturday
- TV: Fox Sports 1
- Streaming: Fubo (Save $20)
- Watching in person? Get tickets on StubHub.
Live coverage is also available on Apple TV+ via MLS Season Pass.
Even in the loss earlier this month, Messi remained active in the attacking third. But Cincinnati, organized and composed, never lost its shape. Gerardo Valenzuela scored once early and All-Star midfielder Evander found the back of the net twice after halftime, while Roman Celentano notched his seventh clean sheet of the season.
Cincinnati remains firmly in the hunt for the Supporters’ Shield. The club’s 48 points are the most league-wide, but fellow Eastern Conference foes Nashville SC and Philadelphia Union aren’t far behind.
Miami is still in playoff position and has scored more goals (49) than any other team in MLS, but consistency has eluded them against top-tier opponents.
Cincinnati won the first round convincingly. Especially without Messi, Miami will need a sharper answer.
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(Photo of Teenage Hadebe and Lionel Messi: Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
