Inter Miami may be changing, but Messi's brilliance is constant - ESPN

Inter Miami CF last traveled to TQL Stadium on Nov. 23, 2025 for the Eastern Conference semifinal, triumphing 4-0 over FC Cincinnati before going on to lift their historic first MLS Cup.

Back then, Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul lingered on the field following the whistle to revel as TQL Stadium became the venue where Inter Miami clinched a spot to the Eastern Conference final for the first time since debuting in MLS.

On Wednesday night, six months later, Inter Miami players continued to celebrate in Cincinnati after winning 5-3 in a regular-season game after yet another superlative performance from Messi.

Despite the familiar feeling of triumph, however, the Herons looked almost unrecognizable on and off the field.

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The were nine changes to Miami's starting line up since playing the Eastern Conference semifinal, with Messi and De Paul as the only two players to kick off both matches. On the sidelines, ever interim manager Guillermo Hoyos has replaced former head coach Javier Mascherano at the helm.

Mascherano previously developed a possession-based style of play for Inter Miami, originating from Sergio Busquets in midfield, through Messi, to allow for the likes of Tadeo Allende and Mateo Silvetti to attack from the wings. The Argentina captain, who played under Mascherano as a false nine, knew perfectly how to attract opposing defenders and leave space for his teammates to score.

The team's identity was also previously rooted in composure, as Busquets slowed down the rhythm of the game when opponents pounced. But Busquets has