Win or go home: FC Cincinnati faces Messi, Inter Miami in MLS Playoffs at TQL Stadium
The Orange and Blue look to defend their home pitch Nov. 23 in Eastern Conference SemifinalBy Shannon Russell
Key points:
- FC Cincinnati hosts Inter Miami CF and Argentine legend Lionel Messi at TQL Stadium in a single-elimination Eastern Conference Semifinal on Nov. 23.
- TQL Stadium is a 26,000-seat award-winning venue in Cincinnati’s West End.
- Both FC Cincinnati and Total Quality Logistics know the value of teamwork.
FC Cincinnati has another chance to control its postseason destiny when it hosts Inter Miami CF in an Audi 2025 Major League Cup Playoffs match at TQL Stadium. The single-elimination Eastern Conference Semifinal unfolds Nov. 23 at 5 p.m.
As the Queen City rallies behind its hometown team, all eyes will also be on Inter Miami’s top player. Argentine superstar Lionel Messi has never scored against the Orange and Blue, and fans will be watching to see if the streak continues.
FC Cincinnati, which ousted intrastate rival Columbus Crew in a thrilling best-of-three series to advance, is making its third appearance in the Eastern Conference Semis. The Orange and Blue’s deepest postseason run came in 2023 when it reached the Eastern Conference Final.
Feel the energy at TQL Stadium
More than 25,000 soccer fans packed award-winning TQL Stadium Nov. 8 to see FC Cincinnati defeat the Crew 2-1 and clinch its bid for the semifinals.
Global design firm Populous designed the world-class venue, which is known for its innovation and fan-friendliness. The stadium’s exterior was inspired by the roar of the crowd and features 500 vertical LED fins that play motion sequences.
Inside, the energy is electric. The Bailey, the vaunted supporters’ section packed with Cincinnati fans, sets the tone, while thousands more are poised just feet from the action.
Supporters of the Orange and Blue celebrated a 3-0 defeat of Inter Miami at TQL Stadium on July 16. The teams’ second regular season meeting came 10 days later in South Florida, where the match ended in a scoreless draw.
Teamwork on and off the pitch
What do a Major League Soccer team and an industry-leading logistics company have in common?
Like FC Cincinnati on the pitch, TQL employees rely on preparation, communication and trust to turn effort into results. Being team-oriented helps TQL’ers get the job done right – every time.
“Working at TQL is like being part of a championship team,” said Sam, an Onboarding Team Lead and FCC super fan. “Every day, we rely on each other and push toward the goal, just like FC Cincinnati on the pitch. And when we succeed, we celebrate together.”
Now that the stage is set for the Eastern Conference Semifinal, the roar of passionate fans is sure to energize the stadium. Will the Orange and Blue rise to the occasion, or will Messi and Inter Miami write the next chapter? Stay tuned to find out.
Love the energy at TQL Stadium? Join a team that moves as fast as the match. Explore TQL job openings today.
