FC Cincinnati is preparing for a critical match against Inter Miami after defeating them last week. But this match could look different.

BOTTOM LINE: Cincinnati comes into a matchup against Inter Miami after recording two straight shutout wins. Miami is 10-2-4 against Eastern Conference teams. Miami has a +16 goal differential, scoring 49 goals while allowing 33.

Gerardo Valenzuela 's opener and a second-half brace from Evander saw Cincinnati shut out Inter Miami and their stars in their last meeting, ending Miami’s six-match unbeaten run in the league and halting a streak of five consecutive MLS victories.

Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano has reported that Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba will join the group training later this week.

FC Cincinnati will take the pitch Saturday against Inter Miami, but the status of Miami's most notable player is still up in the air after he no-showed MLS All-Star festivities.

Inter Miami come into the game fresh off of defeating Nashville SC. A big win that has fans believing they are once again MLS Cup contenders. FC Cincinnati, on the other hand, are licking their wounds after losing a Hell is Real derby at home to Columbus Crew. It was Cincinnati's first lost since May 31 after riding a four game winning streak.

Lionel Messi’s MLS-record streak of scoring multiple goals in five straight matches ended in Inter Miami’s 3-0 loss to FC Cincinnati.

In today's MLS transfer rumor roundup, Inter Miami is set to sign another friend of Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul.