Lionel Messi scored twice and provided two assists as Inter Miami overcame FC Cincinnati 5-3 in a Major League Soccer match on Wednesday night in Cincinnati [1, 2, 3].
Messi opened the scoring in the 24th minute after capitalizing on a defensive error by Cincinnati defender Matt Miazga. He then scored the equalizer in the 55th minute with a left-footed strike from a Rodrigo De Paul cross [1, 3].
FC Cincinnati took the lead three times through goals by Kevin Denkey from a penalty at 41 minutes, Pavel Bucha early in the second half, and a long-range strike by Evander in the 64th minute [1, 2, 3]. Despite that, Inter Miami showed resilience.
Messi assisted Mateo Silvetti's 79th-minute goal that tied the match at 3-3. German Berterame put Miami ahead in the 84th minute with his fourth goal of the season, before Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano deflected a Messi shot off the post into his own net in the 89th minute for the final score [1, 2, 3].
The win improves Inter Miami’s record to 7 wins, 2 draws and 4 losses, giving them 25 points and second place in the MLS Eastern Conference [2]. Cincinnati falls to 4 wins, 5 draws and 4 losses, with 16 points [2].
Messi now has 11 goals in 12 MLS games for the 2026 season. His strong form comes with the World Cup less than a month away [1, 3]. Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos praised his team’s effort on a difficult pitch and the high level of football they displayed. "What they did today was brilliant, against a tough team and on a difficult pitch," Hoyos said. "It’s clear they’re not here to stroll around MLS. They’re here to play, to give everything, and to show the world that football is played here too. We’re leaving very happy. We were able to play football at a very high level" [1, 3].
