Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) celebrates with forward Mateo Silvetti (24) after scoring against Nashville SC during the first half at Chase Stadium.

The 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.

FC 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.

Cincinnati swarming

Remember when I said that there might not be many great chances after Echenique's miss? Well, Cincinnati is proving that it was the start of some massive attacks. In less than ten minutes, several players have made strong pushes into Miami's penalty area, particularly Denkey and Brenner.

A couple of nice saves from Miami keeper, Rios Novo, and a few turnovers have kept this game scoreless, but it's been all Cincinnati through 17 minutes.

Cincinnati gets first great chance of the game

Just six minutes into this contest, we're already seeing fireworks. Cincinnati's Echenique was given a golden opportunity when a cross deep in Miami territory landed on his foot. However, his shot attempt sailed over the goal.

What had been a rather quiet start to this game suddenly got loud. With both teams playing rather conservatively, it may be a while before either club has an opportunity similar to what Echenique just missed.

How to watch Inter Miami vs. FC Cincinnati

Inter Miami will travel to TQL Stadium to take on FC Cincinnati on Sunday, November 23.

  • Date: 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 v. Cincinnati: Live results, highlights MLS Cup playoffs

Reporting by Elizabeth Flores, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect