Inter Miami CF made their last visit to TQL Stadium on November 23, 2025, for the Eastern Conference semifinal, where they achieved a resounding 4-0 victory against FC Cincinnati, propelling them to their first-ever MLS Cup triumph.
In that match, Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul lingered on the pitch post-match, celebrating as they secured a spot in the Eastern Conference final for the first time since the club’s inception in MLS.
Fast forward six months to Wednesday night, where Inter Miami players continued their celebration in Cincinnati after a dramatic 5-3 win in a regular-season clash, once again spurred by Messi’s impressive performance.
However, despite the sense of victory, the Herons appeared markedly different both on and off the field.
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Inter Miami’s starting lineup saw nine changes since the Eastern Conference semifinal, with Messi and De Paul being the only players to participate in both matches. On the sidelines, interim manager Guillermo Hoyos has taken over for former head coach Javier Mascherano.
Mascherano had established a possession-oriented approach centered around Sergio Busquets in midfield, facilitating play through Messi to enable players like Tadeo Allende and Mateo Silvetti to attack from the flanks. Busquets, who has since retired, previously helped maintain the pace of the game while Mascherano’s tactics have faded under Hoyos, who has prioritized a high-intensity style.
“The main focus he has stressed is intensity, particularly in ball movement and individual duels,” said Inter Miami defender Maxi Falcon following Hoyos’ appointment. “Intensity is the keyword he’s emphasized as both a coach and alongside his staff.”
This demand for intensity resulted in Inter Miami generating 2.21 expected goals and taking 17 shots against Cincinnati, winning 69% of tackles and executing 16 interceptions.
De Paul, who once served to manage the game tempo under Mascherano, has transitioned into a box-to-box role under Hoyos, leading both teams with 97 touches during the match.
However, the emphasis on relentless intensity has also led to challenges when players struggle to cope with the physical demands. Two of Cincinnati’s three goals on Wednesday came as a result of counterattacks. The first was a penalty granted after Miami’s Gonzalo Luján fouled a player in the box during a rapid Cincinnati incursion.
Under Hoyos’ direction, Inter Miami tends to push players forward, sometimes leaving critical spaces vulnerable for opponents. This was evident as Cincinnati’s second goal came when Bryan Ramirez found himself open on the left wing, quickly setting up Pavel Bucha at the far end of the box.
So far this season, Inter Miami has conceded 24 goals, ranking them joint fifth in the Eastern Conference for the most goals allowed, compounded by only two clean sheets in 13 MLS matches.
Despite the tactical and managerial upheavals, one constant remains: Messi’s brilliance.
In the November MLS Cup playoffs, Messi contributed one goal and three assists, playing a pivotal role in every goal of that win. On Wednesday, he led Inter Miami’s scoring with two goals and narrowly missed a hat trick, with MLS officially crediting one shot as an own goal by goalkeeper Roman Celentano.
The Inter Miami captain also assisted Silvetti on their third goal, weaving through defenders before delivering a precise pass from the edge of the box.
Currently, Messi sits second in MLS for goals with 11, but he leads the league with 71 shots and 31 shots on target.
Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Messi has navigated through four coaching changes, continually adapting and excelling. He has led the team to significant achievements, winning the Supporters’ Shield, Leagues Cup, and the 2025 MLS Cup.
Additionally, he is the first player in league history to secure back-to-back MLS MVP awards in 2024 and 2025 and clinched last season’s Golden Boot.
“Talking about Leo is both impressive and emotional, both as a person and as a player,” Hoyos remarked.
The past six months, from the Eastern Conference final to the recent regular-season match against FC Cincinnati, highlight the exceptional talent on the roster that can sustain Inter Miami through even the most significant transitions.
“There’s a tremendous amount of energy, hard work on the pitch, and a willingness to give their all,” Hoyos expressed after the 5-3 victory. “Players like Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, and Luis Suárez elevate MLS, and what they achieved today was nothing short of brilliant.”
As Hoyos will soon be replaced by a permanent manager, sources indicate that the search will commence after the World Cup.
The Herons could present a drastically altered lineup when facing FC Cincinnati again in October at Nu Stadium, but if Messi is on the pitch, Pat Noonan’s squad should be ready for a formidable challenge.