Win or go home: Lionel Messi's Inter Miami and Lucho Acosta's FC Cincinnati face high stakes in Game 3 of Round 1

FC Cincinnati and Inter Miami face off in an MLS Cup playoff match with their seasons on the line

The two sides will meet at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Monday, October 17, at 8 pm ET

The stakes are high for both teams, as the winner will advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals, while the loser will see its season come to an end.

For FC Cincinnati, this is a chance to make history. The team has never won a playoff game in its four years of existence, and a victory over Inter Miami would be a major step forward.

For Inter Miami, this is a chance to prove that they are a legitimate contender. The team has struggled at times this season, but they have shown flashes of brilliance, and a win over FC Cincinnati would give them a major boost of confidence.

The match is sure to be a close one. Both teams have talented players, and both teams are fighting for their playoff lives.

FC Cincinnati has a slight edge in the matchup

FC Cincinnati finished the regular season with a 12-9-13 record, good for sixth place in the Eastern Conference. The team was led by Brandon Vazquez, who scored 18 goals in the regular season, and Luciano Acosta, who had 10 goals and 19 assists.

Inter Miami finished the regular season with a 14-14-6 record, good for eighth place in the Eastern Conference. The team was led by Gonzalo Higuain, who scored 14 goals in the regular season, and Alejandro Pozuelo, who had 10 goals and 12 assists.

On paper, FC Cincinnati has a slight edge in the matchup. They have a better record, a better goal differential, and a more experienced team. However, anything can happen in a playoff game, and Inter Miami will be looking to prove that they are not to be taken lightly.

The match is likely to be decided by the play of the two teams' star players

FC Cincinnati's Brandon Vazquez is one of the most dangerous strikers in MLS. He is a clinical finisher, and he is always a threat to score. Inter Miami's Gonzalo Higuain is also a world-class striker. He has a wealth of experience, and he knows how to score goals.

The match is likely to be decided by the play of these two players. If Vazquez can find the back of the net, FC Cincinnati will be in a good position to win. If Higuain can score a goal or two, Inter Miami will be in a good position to advance.

The match is sure to be a close one, and it could go either way

FC Cincinnati has a slight edge in the matchup, but Inter Miami is a dangerous team. The match is likely to be decided by the play of the two teams' star players. Anything can happen in a playoff game, and both teams will be looking to give it their all.

The winner of the match will advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals, while the loser will see its season come to an end.