Matt Miazga believes FC Cincinnati's clash with Inter Miami and Lionel Messi on Wednesday represents an opportunity to continue the growth they have shown in recent weeks.

Cincinnati sit sixth in the Eastern Conference ahead of welcoming Miami to TQL Stadium this week, having gone unbeaten in four MLS games.

But after back-to-back wins over the New York Red Bulls and the Chicago Fire, Pat Noonan's team led a two-goal lead slip away in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Charlotte FC.

Charlotte's goals – which were scored by Idan Toklomati and Pep Biel – came in the space of one minute and 54 seconds, early in the second half.

And while defender Miazga was frustrated to see two points slip away from the Orange and Blue, he believes they can treat it as a learning experience.

"It's a tough one, because obviously there were results this year where we were down and we were able to salvage a point," Miazga said.

"Now we were up and lost out on three points. So, it's a learning step for us."

Cincinnati are three places and six points adrift of Miami, who sit third in the East after beating Toronto FC 4-2 last time out, with Lionel Messi scoring one goal and assisting two.

But having recovered from a poor start to the season that had them 10th in the East after losing four of their first six games, Miazga believes Cincinnati are ready for their next test.

"In the last four or five weeks we've taken a good step, and I think now it's a good time for us to continue to grow," he added.

"We have a little bit of an unbeaten run now, which is nice, but we want wins. We have high standards here, so we want to get three points every game. 

"But it's a trend in the right direction. Obviously, the start of the season wasn't great. So now we're turning a page in our season where we continue to grow. 

"We've been having a lot of good training sessions, a lot of good weeks that we're building on… and I think you can see it, I think a lot of guys have stepped up in ways that benefit the team."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

FC Cincinnati – Evander

Between them, Evander and Kevin Denkey have scored 13 of Cincinnati's 24 MLS goals this season, with either of those players on the scoresheet in each of their last five games.

Evander got his fifth goal of the season last time out against Charlotte, bringing up 49 goal contributions FC Cincinnati – third outright for the most all-time goal contributions for the club. Only Brandon Vazquez (60) and Luciano Acosta (125) have more.

Inter Miami – Lionel Messi

Against Toronto, Messi became the fastest player in MLS history to record 100 goal involvements, bringing up his century in a mere 75 games.

He has surpassed former Toronto star Sebastian Giovinco (95 games) as the quickest player to reach the landmark.

MATCH PREDICTION: INTER MIAMI WIN

Cincinnati have a decent record at home this season, managing three wins, one draw and one defeat in five MLS games at TQL Stadium.

They are also unbeaten in their last three on their own turf, though Miami have six wins, one draw and one loss on the road – the best away record in MLS.

Miami are unbeaten in their last seven on their travels, since losing their opening match of the season at Los Angeles FC on February 22.

Entertainment should be expected, as Cincinnati have scored two or more goals in five straight matches. The Orange and Blue have scored multiple goals in eight of their 12 league matches this season.

But Miami have been going well under interim head coach Guillermo Hoyos, and with Messi scoring his ninth goal of the regular season last time out, the Argentine could find more joy against Cincinnati.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

FC Cincinnati – 30.9%

Inter Miami – 45.9%

Draw – 23.2%