The result of all this is that the Herons are now five points behind the closest team from the playoff zone. The good news is that they have one game in hand, meaning that if they win on Saturday, they’d reduce the point gap to just two points.

So, can they beat FC Cincinnati? If Messi returns, they could do it. But he remains questionable for Saturday’s duel, the same as his former Barcelona teammate, Jordi Alba. He probably won’t be 100% fit, but we do expect coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino to let him play. After all, this game is way too important for Messi to miss it.

FC Cincinnati Have Already Finished Their Regular-Season Work

FC Cincinnati has won the 2023 MLS Supporters’ Shield – the award given to the team with the best record in the regular season.

Whatever happens in the remainder of the season, FC Cincinnati will stay at the top of the Eastern Conference table. This means that they can relax on Saturday. This also means that their coach can keep some of his key men sidelined in order to ensure they remain 100% fit for the 2023 playoffs.

He did something like that earlier this week against the New York Red Bulls, the result of which was that Cincy lost 2-1.

Inter Miami vs. FC Cincinnati Prediction

If Inter Miami wins against FC Cincinnati on Saturday, October 7, this team will get one step closer to the playoffs. But even a victory won’t mean booking the ticket to the postseason. However, not winning on Saturday would mean the end of the Herons’ playoff dreams. 

The Herons won’t give up on those dreams, which is why they’re gonna go all-in against Cincy. This also means that coach Tata Martino will probably put Lionel Messi in the starting XI for the first time in four games. As a result, Inter Miami should grab a win pm Saturday.

Picks: Inter Miami to win and over 2.5 goals

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