Hell is Real derby and Messi headline Matchday 24

Hell is Real derby returns to center stage on MLS Matchday 24 as Supporters’ Shield leaders FC Cincinnati welcome in-state rivals Columbus Crew for another fever-pitch chapter of Ohio’s most intense soccer rivalry. Both clubs enter the weekend in scorching form, and Saturday’s showdown could redraw the Eastern Conference map before Independence Day fireworks have even begun.

Hell is Real derby: Ohio pride and playoff points on the line

The Hell is Real derby, born from a highway billboard on I-71, has quickly morphed into one of Major League Soccer’s marquee fixtures. Cincinnati’s electric TQL Stadium should be rocking again as Pat Noonan’s side looks to extend its league-best home record. Luciano Acosta has been the league’s premier playmaker, racking up double-digit goals and assists, while U-22 striker Kevin Kelsy has added a ruthless cutting edge in transition.

Across the touchline, Wilfried Nancy’s Crew remain MLS’ passing purists, leading the league in progressive sequences. Cucho Hernández’s return to full fitness sparks an attack already humming thanks to Diego Rossi’s movement and Aidan Morris’ box-to-box bite. The winner not only claims Ohio bragging rights but also takes a huge stride toward the No. 1 seed in the East. Expect tackles to fly, tifos to tower, and the phrase “Hell is Real derby” to trend nationwide by night’s end.

Messi’s Inter Miami vs Nashville: star power meets steel

While Ohio burns, the spotlight drifts south to Fort Lauderdale, where Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez host a Nashville SC side unbeaten in seven. Gerardo “Tata” Martino’s group tops the conference in goals, yet cracks appeared during last week’s chaotic 3-3 draw in Charlotte. Defensive discipline must tighten, especially with veteran center back Nicolás Freire still sidelined.

Nashville, meanwhile, has rediscovered its identity under interim boss B.J. Callaghan. Hany Mukhtar is back orchestrating counterattacks, Sam Surridge is bullying center backs, and goalkeeper Joe Willis has posted four straight clean sheets. If the Coyotes steal points on the road, they re-enter the Shield race and, perhaps more importantly, plant a psychological seed for a potential postseason rematch.

Key tactical subplot

Watch how Nashville’s low block copes with Miami’s habit of pulling fullbacks centrally. Should Shaq Moore and Daniel Lovitz hold firm, they can spring immediate transitions behind Jordi Alba and Marcelo Weigandt—areas Messi cannot personally patrol.

Western spotlight: Sporting KC host Seattle Sounders

The West lacks an official Hell is Real derby, yet Children’s Mercy Park should feel similarly frenetic. Dejan Joveljic, on loan from LA Galaxy, has scored in five straight for Sporting Kansas City. If the Serbian’s streak continues, SKC might finally climb out of the conference cellar. Seattle counters with Jordan Morris’ vertical surges and Albert Rusnák’s tempo control. Brian Schmetzer’s men have conceded the fewest goals in MLS, a testament to the enduring excellence of Stefan Frei and the emergent partnership of Jackson Ragen and Yeimar Gómez Andrade.

A victory keeps either club within touching distance of Real Salt Lake, currently pacing the West behind the MVP-level exploits of Cristian Arango.

Other Matchday 24 fixtures to follow

LA Galaxy vs LAFC

El Tráfico rarely disappoints; Riqui Puig’s metronomic passing meets Denis Bouanga’s ruthless finishing in a clash of contrasting philosophies.

New York Red Bulls vs Orlando City

Sandro Schwarz’s high press has transformed the Red Bulls into chaos merchants. Facundo Torres must escape Daniel Edelman’s shadow if Orlando hopes for points.

Portland Timbers vs St. Louis CITY

Phil Neville’s Timbers are unbeaten in five and face a St. Louis side struggling for road consistency. Keep an eye on Evander’s surging late-box runs.

Players to watch beyond the headline acts

• Obinna Nwobodo (FC Cincinnati): The Nigerian destroyer will be tasked with stifling Diego Rossi between the lines in the Hell is Real derby.
• Aidan Morris (Columbus Crew): Rumors of a summer move to the Premier League grow louder each week he dominates midfields.
• Benjamin Cremaschi (Inter Miami): With Messi drawing markers, the U.S. international’s under-lapping runs could be decisive.
• Josh Atencio (Seattle): The Sounders’ academy product leads MLS in ball recoveries per 90 since May.
• Emiliano Rigoni (Austin FC): Quietly producing elite chance-creation numbers after a sluggish 2023.

Current tables and what’s at stake

The Eastern Conference’s top five are separated by just seven points. Cincinnati leads with 48, followed by Miami (46), Red Bulls (44), Crew (42) and Nashville (39). In the West, Real Salt Lake’s 44 points edge LAFC’s 42, though the Galaxy and Sounders lurk. Matchday 24 therefore shapes not only the Supporters’ Shield hunt but also the first-round bye race. Drop points now, and you may find yourself fighting in the wild-card round come October.

Why the Hell is Real derby resonates

The Hell is Real derby epitomizes MLS’s new era—historic fan culture, elite tactical sophistication, and genuine stakes. Sold-out crowds, raucous tifos and global-class players like Acosta and Rossi ensure the match transcends regional interest. For neutrals, it’s the perfect gateway into the league; for existing fans, it’s appointment viewing that validates MLS’s growth trajectory.

Primary focus keyword in action

Beyond Ohio, broadcasters and digital outlets increasingly lean on the Hell is Real derby brand when marketing domestic soccer. Social engagement spikes every cycle the phrase appears, highlighting its SEO heft—one reason this preview places “Hell is Real derby” front-and-center throughout multiple sections.

How to watch Matchday 24

Every Matchday 24 fixture streams live on MLS Season Pass through Apple TV. Local radio partners will carry English and Spanish commentary, while SiriusXM FC offers a national whip-around show. Kickoffs begin Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET, culminating with the West Coast nightcap in Portland.

Quick opinion

MLS thrives on narratives, and none loom larger this weekend than the Hell is Real derby. Columbus’s fluid possession against Cincinnati’s vertical punch should produce fireworks worthy of any European rivalry. Throw in Messi’s duel with resurgent Nashville and Joveljic’s renaissance in Kansas City, and Matchday 24 feels like a defining checkpoint in an already riveting season. Don’t blink.