In a high-scoring encounter in Major League Soccer (MLS), Lionel Messi delivered a commanding performance to lead Inter Miami to a 5-3 victory over FC Cincinnati. The Argentine captain recorded two goals and provided one assist, instrumental in overturning a deficit at the TQL Stadium. Despite FC Cincinnati holding a 3-2 lead until the 64th minute, Inter Miami’s late offensive surge secured all three points.
Match Summary and Key Moments
Inter Miami initiated the scoring in the 24th minute. Following an attempted clearance by Cincinnati defender Matt Miazga, the ball fell to Messi, who converted the opportunity to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. FC Cincinnati equalised in the 41st minute via a penalty from Kevin Denkey. Early in the second half, Pavel Bucha found the net in the 49th minute to put the hosts ahead 2-1.
The lead was short-lived as Messi struck again six minutes later, finishing a cut-back pass from Luis Suárez to level the score at 2-2. In the 64th minute, Evander regained the lead for Cincinnati with a powerful right-footed strike from just outside the penalty area. However, Inter Miami responded with three consecutive goals. Mateo Silvetti equalised, followed by a set-piece goal from German Berterame, who capitalised on a collision between Cincinnati defender Andrei Chiriță and goalkeeper Roman Celentano.
Statistical Overview of the Encounter
Inter Miami maintained superior control throughout the match, reflected in both possession and offensive attempts.
| Category | FC Cincinnati | Inter Miami |
| Final Score | 3 | 5 |
| Possession | 46% | 54% |
| Total Shots | 10 | 17 |
| Shots on Target | 3 | 6 |
| Total Goals | 3 | 5 |
Lionel Messi’s Career Milestones
This match marked the third time this season that Messi has contributed to three goals in a single fixture. In the 89th minute, a third potential goal for Messi—which would have completed a hat-trick—was officially ruled an own goal. Messi’s shot struck the goalpost and deflected off goalkeeper Roman Celentano into the net; while initially credited to the Argentine, MLS authorities later corrected the record. Had it stood, it would have been the 61st hat-trick of his professional career.
Currently, Messi holds the record for the fastest 100 goal-and-assist involvements in MLS history. He sits second in the league’s top-scorer rankings for the current season with 12 goals.
Career Statistics to Date:
Total Professional Goals: 910
Total Professional Assists: 411
MLS Regular Season Totals (65 matches): 61 Goals, 42 Assists
Inter Miami’s dominance at the TQL Stadium was evidenced by their 54% possession and 17 total shots. This victory reinforces their offensive capabilities as the regular season progresses.