Inter Miami's chances in the race for 'CONCACAF' qualification fade

Inter Miami, led by its Argentine star Lionel Messi, fell into a draw with Cincinnati 2-2 in the 32nd round of Major League Soccer (MLS), in a match that saw a strong comeback after halftime with four spectacular goals. The draw was a setback for Miami as it sought to secure second place in the Eastern Conference and ensure qualification for next year’s CONCACAF Champions Cup, dropping them to third place behind New England Revolution, who defeated New York Red Bulls 3-2.

Miami took the lead through Uruguayan Luis Suárez (60th minute), but conceded two goals within six minutes via French player Kenji Mbuma Dim and Slovakian Samuel Györi (80th and 86th minutes), before equalizing with a decisive goal in the 90th minute through Brazilian substitute Felipe, thereby securing a valuable point.

Miami struggled to break through Cincinnati’s defense in the first half but managed to score in the 61st minute when Argentine Rodrigo De Paul received the ball in midfield and passed it to Brazilian Casemiro, who in turn sent it to Suárez, positioned inside the penalty area. The 39-year-old finished with a single touch, then turned and expertly shot into the far top corner, where it hit the crossbar and went into the net.

Cincinnati rallied in the 80th minute thanks to French player Mbuma Dim, who scored a stunning goal with a curling shot at the far post after an individual effort on the right flank. Just six minutes later, Cincinnati silenced the fans at “New Stadium” by taking the lead when defender Györi received a pass on the edge of the penalty area and fired it past Canadian goalkeeper Daine Saint Clair.

De Paul shone again with an assist, delivering a cross to young substitute Felipe (20 years old), who darted into the corner of the penalty area and curled a shot between defenders to settle in the far corner of the net.

Inter Miami faces their rivals New England on Sunday, trailing by two points (58 vs. 56), and needs either a win or a draw to keep their hopes of second place alive.

Nashville tops the Eastern Conference standings by a significant margin (71 points) and had already secured the Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the first-place team, last week for the first time in their history.