Lionel Messi scored a brace and helped create two more as Inter Miami defeated FC Cincinnati 5-3 at TQL Stadium on Wednesday night. This victory moves Miami into second place in the Eastern Conference with 25 points. Messi now holds a record of 11 goals in 12 league matches this season.
Messi opened the scoring in the 24th minute. He capitalised on a loose ball after Cincinnati defender Matt Miazga failed to clear his lines. The sides entered half-time level at 1-1 after Kevin Denkey converted a 41st-minute penalty for the hosts.
Cincinnati took the lead early in the second half when Pavel Bucha scored from close range. Miami responded in the 55th minute. Rodrigo De Paul crossed for Messi to finish a team move with his left foot.
The momentum shifted again in the 64th minute. Brazilian playmaker Evander restored Cincinnati’s lead with a strike from outside the box. This goal marked his seventh in six matches.
Miami rallied in the final 15 minutes. Mateo Silvetti equalised in the 79th minute following a pass from Messi. Germán Berterame then put the visitors ahead in the 84th minute to make it 4-3.
An own goal in the 89th minute confirmed the result. Messi struck a cross from Silvetti against the post, and the ball deflected into the net off goalkeeper Roman Celentano.
“What they did today was brilliant, against a tough team and on a difficult pitch,” said Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos. “It’s very hard to play here. 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.”
Hoyos noted the quality of his team’s play during the high-scoring encounter. “We’re leaving very happy. We were able to play football at a very high level.”
