Acosta and Cucho Fight Hard, But Messi Dominates MLS

When the final whistle blew at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati last Saturday, the scoreboard showed a 0-0 tie. But that didn't capture the full drama on the field. The rivalry between FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew, aptly nicknamed "Hell is Real," didn’t bring goals, but it sure brought the heat Ohio’s soccer fans live for. The night’s main stars, Lucho Acosta and Cucho Hernández, put on a show of effort and skill, proving why they're considered some of the best in Major League Soccer (MLS). But honestly, is that enough? Because while they were battling it out, Messi and his crew in Miami looked like they were playing a whole different game.

Let’s be real: Cincinnati vs. Columbus is everything we love about soccer. It’s packed with tension, tough tackles, trash talk, and, of course, that bit of regional pride. "Hell is Real" isn’t just a name, it’s a vibe. But while Acosta and Cucho were grinding it out, Messi’s shadow loomed large over MLS. Sure, these two Ohio teams punched their tickets to the playoffs, but are they really ready for what's coming? One thing's for sure, playing your heart out against a local rival is one thing. Facing Messi’s Inter Miami? That’s a whole different ball game. While the rest of the league is sweating to keep up, Messi and his squad are cruising like they’ve got a cheat code.

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Looking back at Saturday’s game, FC Cincinnati might feel okay about keeping Columbus Crew at bay and securing a playoff spot. Pat Noonan had nothing but praise for his playmaker, Lucho Acosta. Even though Acosta wasn’t 100% physically, he showed his grit, leading the team in tackles and key passes. He didn’t just inspire his squad, he helped keep Columbus off the scoreboard. But, honestly, as inspiring as Cincinnati’s defense was, it’s hard to get too pumped about a home draw when the goal is to win it all.

As for Columbus Crew, Cucho Hernández was electric. His ability to create chances and orchestrate the attack makes him one of the most dangerous players in the league. Crew’s coach, Wilfried Nancy, was clearly happy with Cucho’s performance, even though he admitted the result wasn’t what they wanted. Columbus left Cincinnati with a bitter taste, knowing they could’ve grabbed all three points—especially after generating 1.8 expected goals compared to Cincy’s 0.5.

But, let’s be honest, the game will be remembered for the lack of goals and the feeling that both teams could’ve done more. If Cincy and Crew really want to make waves this season, they’ve got to step it up. The specter of Messi and Inter Miami is looming larger every day, and the way that Florida squad is steamrolling through opponents, it’s clear the playoffs won’t be a walk in the park. While Acosta and Cucho are sweating it out, dragging their teams through the grind, Messi came back and dropped two goals and an assist in his first game since June. Miami’s already 10 points clear of both Ohio teams. That says a lot.

Cincinnati and Columbus might have their playoff spots, but are they truly ready for what’s next? Man, I love watching these two teams face off. They play with heart, and their games are always intense, full of drama, and physical to the max. But here's the thing: intensity alone won’t cut it when you’re up against Messi in a knockout game.

And that’s where Saturday’s game becomes a kind of metaphor for what’s ahead. It was a battle, no doubt, but a battle with no winners. Both teams walked off the field with that nagging feeling that they’ll meet again, maybe with a trophy on the line. That scoreless draw left a bittersweet aftertaste because they know there’s still a ton of work to do. If they really want to go deep in the playoffs, they’ve got to start connecting better up front and turning those chances into real goals.

Meanwhile, Messi’s out there like a force of nature, wrecking any team that gets in his way. What happened to Philadelphia on Saturday, yet another victim of the pink-and-black juggernaut, was just a warning. Miami’s not messing around, and if Acosta and Cucho dream of lifting a trophy this year, they’ll have to find a way to stop the Argentine legend. Honestly, it doesn’t seem like they’re ready for that.

The irony is that, for the longest time, both Ohio teams were seen as part of the Eastern Conference elite. Now, they’re chasing a team that, just months ago, seemed out of the race. Messi’s return has flipped the script, and it’s no longer about who’s the best in Ohio. Now, the question is: how do you stop the scoring machine that Inter Miami has become?

The 0-0 draw between Cincinnati and Columbus was a clear reflection of where these teams are right now: lots of effort, lots of fight, but still missing that extra something to truly reach greatness. If they want to dream of a title, they need to start solving their offensive issues and, more importantly, figure out how to handle the storm coming from Miami. Because, let’s face it, Messi seems destined to turn this year into his own success story, while the rest of the league just watches and scrambles for answers. Will Cincinnati and Columbus rise to the challenge, or will they just watch from the sidelines as Messi and his crew lift yet another trophy? I sure hope we get an answer soon.