Lionel Messi’s remarkable run of form in Major League Soccer came to a halt on Thursday (BST) as FC Cincinnati delivered a commanding 3–0 victory over Inter Miami, ending the Argentine’s five-match streak of scoring multiple goals.
The 38-year-old forward had been in sensational form, netting two goals in each of his last five appearances to rack up 16 goals for the season. It was the first time since his Barcelona days in 2012 that Messi had managed such a streak.
However, Cincinnati successfully neutralised Miami’s attack, limiting them to just two shots on target and dominating the game from start to finish.
“Clearly today we were outplayed from the beginning of the match,” admitted Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano. “We didn’t win the individual duels, and maybe that’s because we’ve come off a very intense period physically. In the long run, that takes its toll.”
Mascherano also revealed that Messi took a knock late in the match but assured it was nothing serious.
Cincinnati took the lead in the 16th minute through 20-year-old American midfielder Gerardo Valenzuela. Brazilian striker Evander then struck twice in the second half—once in the 50th minute and again in the 70th—to seal an emphatic win.
“We didn’t play the game we wanted,” said Mascherano. “They pressed us throughout, we weren’t sharp or composed, and they deserved the win.”
The result leaves Inter Miami with a record of 11 wins, four losses, and five draws, placing them fifth in the Eastern Conference on 38 points. They now trail MLS leaders Philadelphia by eight points, although they have three games in hand.
“The opponent outplayed us from start to finish,” Mascherano added. “The result and the way we lost are both worrying. Now we need to rest and focus on the next match.”