Overview
- The game kicks off Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 7:30 p.m. ET at Nu Stadium and is available exclusively on Apple TV under MLS’s 2026 rights deal.
- Lionel Messi is expected to start after a reduced role in Miami’s 2-0 loss to New York, and he leads MLS with roughly 25 goals and 15 assists this season.
- FC Cincinnati arrive on a two-game winning run and rely on Evander as their creative engine, with a win on Wednesday plus a Columbus loss at FC Dallas clinching a playoff spot for Cincinnati.
- Published projections list Miami’s front three as Messi, Luis Suárez and Germán Berterame and Cincinnati’s attack led by Evander and Kévin Denkey, while market reports make Miami the clear favorite.
- Beyond Wednesday’s result, the outcome will shape seeding and momentum with Miami needing points to improve its East position and Cincinnati aiming to avoid the wild-card path into the playoffs.