Inter Miami and FC Cincinnati Finish 2-2 in Thriller, Eastern Conference Race Tightens

On October 28, 2026, Inter Miami CF hosted FC Cincinnati at Nu Stadium. Luis Suárez gave Miami the lead in the 61st minute from a Casemiro pass. Cincinnati equalised through Kenji Mboma Dem in the 80th minute, and Samuel Gidi (or Geddes) put them ahead six minutes later. Riquelme Fillipi, on his MLS debut, struck in the 90th minute to restore parity. The match ended 2-2, each side earning one point.

Inter Miami 2-2 FC Cincinnati: Lionel Messi’s Side Remains Winless In Two MLS Games as Riquelme Fillipi Rescues Late Draw

Inter Miami entered third in the Eastern Conference, two points behind the New England Revolution with two games left. FC Cincinnati, sitting at 43 points (11-11-11), needed a win to solidify a playoff berth.

Inter Miami Rescue 2-2 Draw With FC Cincinnati as Fillipi Scores in 90th Minute

• Lionel Messi – Inter Miami forward, heavily marked.

Inter Miami Rescue 2-2 Draw With FC Cincinnati as Fillipi Scores in 90th Minute

• Luis Suárez – Scored the opening goal (61’).

Suarez scores, Messi frustrated and Casemiro steadies the back line as Inter Miami rescue 2-2 draw with Cincinnati

• Riquelme Fillipi – Substitute, scored the 90’ equaliser.

Suarez scores, Messi frustrated and Casemiro steadies the back line as Inter Miami rescue 2-2 draw with Cincinnati

• Casemiro – Provided the assist for Suárez.

Suarez scores, Messi frustrated and Casemiro steadies the back line as Inter Miami rescue 2-2 draw with Cincinnati

• Kenji Mboma Dem – Equalised in the 80th minute.

Inter Miami Draw 2-2 vs Cincinnati Despite Messi's Presence

• Samuel Gidi / Samuel Geddes – Scored the go-ahead goal (86’/90’).

Golazos Galore: FC Cincinnati play to an entertaining 2-2 draw in Miami

• Dayne St. Clair – Inter Miami goalkeeper.

Deadspin

• Roman Celentano – FC Cincinnati goalkeeper.

Inter Miami 2-2 FC Cincinnati: Lionel Messi’s Side Remains Winless In Two MLS Games as Riquelme Fillipi Rescues Late Draw

• Inter Miami record: 15-6-11, 56 points.

Inter Miami 2-2 FC Cincinnati: Lionel Messi’s Side Remains Winless In Two MLS Games as Riquelme Fillipi Rescues Late Draw

• FC Cincinnati record: 11-11-10, 43 points.

Inter Miami 2-2 FC Cincinnati: Lionel Messi’s Side Remains Winless In Two MLS Games as Riquelme Fillipi Rescues Late Draw

• Yellow cards: Messi (44’), Telasco Segovia (90+3’), Suárez (90+4’).

Golazos Galore: FC Cincinnati play to an entertaining 2-2 draw in Miami

• Four goals came in the final 15 minutes; halftime score was 0-0.

Inter Miami Draw 2-2 vs Cincinnati Despite Messi's Presence

Deadspin called the contest “wild” after three late goals, noting the frantic finish. Cincinnati’s press highlighted the aggressive press that disrupted Miami’s first-half build-up and praised Mboma Dem’s curling shot. Miami fans pointed to the “late surge” after halftime tactical changes.

Inter Miami Rescue 2-2 Draw With FC Cincinnati as Fillipi Scores in 90th Minute

Inter Miami analysts said the club must draw with New England on October 31, 2026 to keep second-place hopes alive. Cincinnati’s staff stressed the need to win the upcoming match against the Philadelphia Union to clinch a playoff spot. Both clubs acknowledged defensive lapses that allowed the opponent’s late goals.

Inter Miami Rescue 2-2 Draw With FC Cincinnati as Fillipi Scores in 90th Minute

The draw left Inter Miami two points behind the Revolution, making the next head-to-head clash crucial for the No. 2 seed. For Cincinnati, the point moved them four points above the playoff line but a win over Philadelphia remains essential for postseason qualification.

Inter Miami Rescue 2-2 Draw With FC Cincinnati as Fillipi Scores in 90th Minute

• Goal Scorer Identity: Sources list “Samuel Gidi,” “Samuel Geddes,” and “Samuel Gidi” interchangeably.

Golazos Galore: FC Cincinnati play to an entertaining 2-2 draw in Miami

• Goal Timing: Most accounts place the go-ahead goal at the 86th minute; one source cites a 90th-minute tally.

Inter Miami Draw 2-2 vs Cincinnati Despite Messi's Presence

• Player Substitutions: Some reports mention the replacement of Matías Galarza and Sergio Reguilón at halftime; others do not.

Suarez scores, Messi frustrated and Casemiro steadies the back line as Inter Miami rescue 2-2 draw with Cincinnati

These inconsistencies underscore the need for official MLS match-report verification.

Inter Miami Draw 2-2 vs Cincinnati Despite Messi's Presence