Messi’s Masterclass in Cincinnati: How Inter Miami Survived an Eight-Goal MLS Thriller

Lionel Messi delivered another unforgettable night in Major League Soccer on May 13, 2026, producing a stunning performance as Inter Miami defeated FC Cincinnati 5-3 in one of the wildest matches of the MLS season. What began as a tense Eastern Conference showdown at TQL Stadium evolved into a dramatic showcase of attacking football, momentum swings, and late-game brilliance led by the Argentine superstar.

By the final whistle, Messi had either scored a hat trick — depending on the official ruling — or produced two goals and an assist in a game that once again demonstrated why he remains the defining figure in North American soccer.

A Match That Had Everything

The clash between FC Cincinnati and Inter Miami already carried significant weight before kickoff. Miami entered the match chasing the top spot in the Eastern Conference, while Cincinnati hoped to extend an impressive unbeaten streak at home.

Instead, fans witnessed an attacking spectacle filled with controversy, momentum shifts, and relentless pressure from both sides.

Messi nearly opened the scoring inside the first 10 minutes, but his goal was ruled out for offside after Germán Berterame’s through ball arrived just a fraction too late.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 24th minute.

Rodrigo De Paul threaded a dangerous pass through the middle, and Cincinnati defender Matt Miazga failed to clear convincingly. Messi reacted instantly, using his positioning and instincts to force the ball into the net for a 1-0 Inter Miami lead.

Yet the game was only beginning.

Cincinnati Refused to Fold

FC Cincinnati responded with intensity and physicality. Kevin Denkey equalized from the penalty spot in the 41st minute after a challenge inside the box brought the striker down. The striker’s powerful finish into the bottom-left corner reignited the home crowd and shifted momentum before halftime.

Early in the second half, Cincinnati seized control.

Pavel Bucha completed a flowing team move in the 49th minute to make it 2-1. The hosts looked energized, organized, and capable of handing Miami one of its toughest defeats of the season.

But Messi had other plans.

Messi and Suarez Turn the Match Around

The equalizer in the 55th minute showcased the chemistry that continues to define Inter Miami’s attack.

Messi combined in tight space with Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul near the top of the penalty area. De Paul then delivered a precise cutback, allowing Messi to finish clinically with his trademark left foot from near the penalty spot.

The goal highlighted several themes that have shaped Miami’s 2026 season:

• Messi’s movement off the ball
• Suarez’s intelligent link-up play
• De Paul’s growing influence in midfield
• Miami’s ability to attack quickly through central areas

Even after Evander restored Cincinnati’s lead with a spectacular strike in the 64th minute, Miami continued to push forward relentlessly.

That persistence ultimately broke Cincinnati apart.

The Final 10 Minutes Changed Everything

Inter Miami’s comeback accelerated dramatically in the closing stages.

Substitute Mateo Silvetti equalized in the 79th minute after Messi and De Paul initiated a rapid transition move. The young attacker, returning from injury, calmly slotted home to make it 3-3.

Five minutes later, Cincinnati’s defense collapsed under pressure.

Goalkeeper Roman Celentano collided with defender Andrei Chirila while attempting to claim a cross, leaving Germán Berterame with an open net for Miami’s fourth goal.

Then came the moment everyone debated after the match.

In the 89th minute, Messi slid onto a pass from Silvetti and redirected the ball toward goal. The shot hit the post and then appeared to deflect off Celentano before crossing the line. Initially, the goal completed Messi’s third MLS hat trick.

However, MLS later reviewed the sequence and officially ruled the play an own goal by the goalkeeper because the ball was not clearly crossing the line before the deflection.

Hat Trick or Not, Messi Dominated the Match

Regardless of the official scoring decision, Messi’s influence on the game was undeniable.

His overall contribution included:

• Multiple goals
• An assist
• Key buildup play
• Transition creation
• Constant defensive disruption

The performance also reinforced his extraordinary consistency in MLS.

At the conclusion of the match, Messi’s 2026 league numbers stood at either 11 or 12 goals — depending on the ruling source — along with multiple assists in just over a dozen appearances.

Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos praised the Argentine after the match, saying:

“Speaking about Leo is truly striking, first because of the person he is, and second because of the player you see on the pitch.”

Hoyos also emphasized the impact of Miami’s veteran core:

“Him [Messi] Rodrigo [De Paul] and [Luis] Suárez are players who truly elevate the MLS. What they accomplished today was brilliant, simply brilliant.”

Miami’s Road Dominance Continues

The victory pushed Inter Miami’s road record to an impressive 7-1-1 and lifted the club into second place in the Eastern Conference standings.

Interestingly, Miami’s form away from home has been significantly stronger than at Nu Stadium, the club’s new home venue that opened in April. Despite thriving on the road, the Herons were still searching for their first victory in the new stadium heading into their next fixture against the Portland Timbers.

The match also revealed the attacking identity Miami has embraced in 2026:

• High-risk attacking transitions
• Aggressive forward movement
• Reliance on experienced playmakers
• Confidence in chaotic, open matches

Against Cincinnati, that style produced five goals and one of the league’s most entertaining games of the year.

Messi’s Growing MLS Legacy

Since arriving in MLS in 2023, Messi has transformed both Inter Miami and the league’s global visibility.

This latest performance added another chapter to a growing collection of unforgettable MLS moments:

• Multiple multi-goal matches
• Record-setting scoring pace
• Increased stadium attendance
• Massive international attention

According to ESPN, Messi has now recorded 21 multi-goal MLS matches since his debut, extending his league record in that category.

Even the debate surrounding the final goal added to the night’s drama.

If credited, it would have marked the 61st hat trick of Messi’s professional career. Instead, the own-goal ruling left his official total at 60, still trailing Cristiano Ronaldo’s all-time mark of 66.

Yet the controversy hardly overshadowed the broader story: Messi once again controlled a major MLS match at 38 years old.

What This Means for the MLS Title Race

Inter Miami’s comeback victory may prove crucial later in the season.

Defeating a strong Cincinnati side on the road showed Miami’s resilience and attacking depth. More importantly, it demonstrated that the club can survive difficult stretches even when trailing late against elite opposition.

With the FIFA World Cup break approaching later in the summer, maintaining momentum could become essential in the Eastern Conference race.

If Messi continues producing performances at this level, Inter Miami will remain one of the league’s most dangerous contenders.

And if this match proved anything, it is that no lead feels safe when Lionel Messi is on the field.