Match Highlights: How the Game Unfolded

Inter Miami CF vs FC Cincinnati

Nu Stadium • Miami, FL

Inter Miami CF

2

Full-time

Today

2

FC Cincinnati

First Half: Miami and Cincinnati Remain Goalless

The opening 45 minutes ended 0–0, with both teams working to create clear scoring opportunities. Miami enjoyed possession, while Cincinnati looked to attack through quick transitions and the creativity of midfielder Evander. Lionel Messi received a yellow card in the 44th minute as the first half approached its conclusion.

Neither side managed to break the deadlock before halftime, setting up a more open second half. The decisive moments arrived after the hour mark, when the match transformed into an end-to-end contest.

61st Minute: Luis Suárez Gives Inter Miami the Lead

Inter Miami struck first when Luis Suárez scored in the 61st minute. Casemiro supplied the assist, finding Suárez inside the penalty area before the Uruguayan forward curled a right-footed shot into the top corner.

The goal gave Miami a 1–0 advantage and appeared to put the home side in control. It also took Suárez to 16 goals in the 2026 MLS regular season at that stage of the campaign.

80th Minute: Kenji Mboma Dem Equalizes

FC Cincinnati responded in the 80th minute through Kenji Mboma Dem, who produced an impressive individual finish to make it 1–1. After receiving the ball from Evander, Mboma Dem attacked from the right, used quick footwork to create space, and fired into the top-left corner.

The equalizer changed the momentum of the match and gave Cincinnati renewed belief. Miami could no longer rely on its narrow lead, and the closing minutes became increasingly unpredictable.

86th Minute: Samuel Gidi Puts Cincinnati Ahead

Cincinnati completed its comeback just six minutes later. Samuel Gidi finished a counterattacking move in the 86th minute, scoring his first career goal for the club to put the visitors ahead 2–1.

Tom Barlow provided the final pass after the move developed through Evander and Kévin Denkey. Gidi’s finish briefly put Cincinnati within touching distance of a major away victory, leaving Miami with very little time to respond.

90th Minute: Riquelme Fillipi Rescues a Point

Inter Miami found its equalizer in the 90th minute through substitute Riquelme Fillipi. Rodrigo De Paul supplied the assist, allowing the Brazilian winger to cut inside and finish with a composed shot into the bottom-right corner.

The goal was Fillipi’s first for Inter Miami and completed a remarkable late turnaround in the match’s momentum. After briefly trailing 2–1, Miami salvaged a 2–2 draw in front of its home supporters.

Inter Miami vs Cincinnati: Full Match Statistics

The match statistics show a relatively balanced contest, although Miami had the greater share of possession and a slight advantage in attempts on target. Cincinnati remained competitive despite spending less time on the ball, using its attacking transitions to create decisive opportunities late in the game.

Source: Official club match report.

Possession and Attacking Performance

Miami’s 58.6% possession reflected its greater control of the ball, but that advantage did not translate into a victory. The home side registered 14 shots compared with Cincinnati’s 13, while its four shots on target narrowly exceeded the visitors’ three.

Cincinnati’s efficiency in the closing stages was particularly notable. The visitors scored twice between the 80th and 86th minutes, demonstrating how quickly the game could change despite Miami’s territorial advantage.

Goalkeepers and Defensive Contributions

Inter Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair recorded one save, while Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano made two. Both defenses faced pressure during the second half, but the four goals ultimately reflected the attacking quality displayed by both sides.

Miami also had to rely on a late defensive intervention to avoid a further setback. Ian Fray blocked a dangerous stoppage-time opportunity from Evander, helping preserve the draw after Fillipi’s equalizer.

Lionel Messi’s Performance Against Cincinnati

Lionel Messi captained Inter Miami in the match but did not score. He received a yellow card in the 44th minute, while teammates Suárez and Fillipi supplied the goals that earned Miami a point.

Although Messi’s name naturally attracted attention before kickoff, the match’s decisive moments came from other players. Suárez opened the scoring, De Paul helped create the late equalizer, and Fillipi delivered the finishing touch when Miami needed it most.

The result also highlighted the importance of Miami’s supporting cast. With two regular-season matches remaining at the time, the club needed consistent contributions across its lineup to improve its position before the playoffs.

What the Result Means for the MLS Standings

The draw left Inter Miami on 56 points and FC Cincinnati on 43 points, according to the match reports. Miami remained third in the Eastern Conference following New England’s 3–2 win over the New York Red Bulls, which moved the Revolution ahead of Miami in the standings.

For Cincinnati, the point was valuable in the race for postseason qualification. The club was in eighth place in the Eastern Conference with two regular-season games remaining, level on points with Orlando City but behind on the relevant tiebreaker.

The top nine teams in the Eastern Conference qualify for the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, with the eighth- and ninth-place teams entering a Wild Card match. Cincinnati’s late comeback therefore helped maintain its position in a closely contested playoff race.

Where to Watch Inter Miami vs Cincinnati Highlights

Fans looking for official video highlights can visit the Major League Soccer video page , which lists the match highlights from October 28, 2026. The available video listing includes an extended highlights package as well as shorter clips featuring Suárez’s opening goal and Fillipi’s late equalizer.

The official Inter Miami CF website  and FC Cincinnati website  also publish match recaps, scoring summaries, and team updates. These sources are useful for checking the official goal timings, assists, and post-match reaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final score of Inter Miami vs Cincinnati?

Inter Miami CF drew 2–2 with FC Cincinnati on October 28, 2026, at Nu Stadium. Luis Suárez and Riquelme Fillipi scored for Miami, while Kenji Mboma Dem and Samuel Gidi scored for Cincinnati.

Who scored for Inter Miami?

Luis Suárez scored in the 61st minute, assisted by Casemiro. Riquelme Fillipi scored the equalizer in the 90th minute, with Rodrigo De Paul providing the assist.

Who scored for FC Cincinnati?

Kenji Mboma Dem equalized in the 80th minute, assisted by Evander. Samuel Gidi scored in the 86th minute, with Tom Barlow providing the final pass.

Did Lionel Messi score against Cincinnati?

No. Messi did not score in this match and received a yellow card in the 44th minute. Miami’s goals came from Suárez and Fillipi.

How many shots did Inter Miami and Cincinnati have?

Inter Miami recorded 14 total shots, including four on target. FC Cincinnati recorded 13 total shots, with three on target.

What was the halftime score?

The match was 0–0 at halftime. All four goals were scored in the second half, including three during the final 10 minutes of regulation time.

Final Verdict: Inter Miami 2–2 FC Cincinnati

The Inter Miami vs Cincinnati match delivered an exciting finish, with four second-half goals producing a 2–2 draw. Suárez gave Miami the lead, Mboma Dem and Gidi briefly turned the game around for Cincinnati, and Fillipi’s 90th-minute equalizer ensured the points were shared.

Miami had more possession and slightly more shots on target, but Cincinnati demonstrated its ability to capitalize on attacking opportunities. The draw left both teams with important work to do as the MLS regular season approached its conclusion, making the result significant for the Eastern Conference standings and the race for playoff positioning.