Lionel Messi Inspires Inter Miami in Eight-Goal Thriller Against Cincinnati

Inter Miami delivered one of the most entertaining Major League Soccer performances of the 2026 season after defeating FC Cincinnati 5-3 in a dramatic showdown at TQL Stadium. At the center of the spectacle was Lionel Messi, whose brilliance once again transformed a high-pressure match into a statement victory for the Florida club.

The Argentine superstar scored twice, created another goal, and played a decisive role in a late own goal that sealed Miami’s fifth consecutive road victory. The result pushed Inter Miami into second place in the Eastern Conference standings and reinforced growing belief that the club could emerge as a serious MLS title contender this season.

The thrilling encounter featured momentum swings, controversial moments, defensive collapses, and another unforgettable Messi masterclass ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

A Match That Never Stopped Delivering Drama

From the opening whistle, the match carried playoff-level intensity. FC Cincinnati attacked aggressively in front of a sellout crowd of 25,513, while Inter Miami relied on quick transitions and the creativity of Messi, Luis Suárez, and Rodrigo De Paul.

Miami struck first in the 24th minute when Messi capitalized on defensive confusion near the Cincinnati penalty area. A poor clearance from Matt Miazga ricocheted into Messi’s path before finding the net, giving Inter Miami a 1-0 lead.

Cincinnati responded with composure. In the 41st minute, Kévin Denkey converted a penalty after Gonzalo Luján brought him down inside the box. The equalizer energized the home crowd and shifted momentum before halftime.

Shortly after the restart, Cincinnati appeared to seize control completely. Pavel Bucha scored from close range in the 49th minute following a well-worked attacking sequence, putting the hosts ahead 2-1.

But whenever Inter Miami needed a response, Messi delivered.

Messi Changes the Match Again

Inter Miami’s equalizer in the 55th minute showcased the chemistry developing between Messi and Rodrigo De Paul. The Argentine midfielder delivered a precise cross into the area, and Messi calmly finished with his left foot to level the score at 2-2.

The game remained chaotic and open. Cincinnati regained the lead in the 64th minute through Brazilian playmaker Evander, who blasted a powerful effort from outside the penalty area into the top corner.

At 3-2 down, Miami looked vulnerable defensively, but its attack continued to create opportunities. Messi orchestrated the comeback once more when he assisted young Argentine substitute Mateo Silvetti in the 79th minute to make it 3-3. Minutes later, Germán Berterame capitalized on confusion in the Cincinnati defense to give Miami its first lead of the second half.

The final moment of drama arrived in the 89th minute.

Messi attacked a cross from Silvetti and smashed the ball against the post. The rebound struck Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano before crossing the line. Initially, many believed Messi had completed a hat-trick, but MLS later ruled the goal an own goal credited to Celentano.

Why Messi Was Denied a Hat-Trick

One of the biggest talking points after the match centered on the official scoring decision involving Messi’s late effort.

For several minutes, fans and broadcasters celebrated what appeared to be Messi’s 61st career hat-trick. However, MLS officials later clarified that the shot had rebounded off the post and was not heading into the net until it deflected off goalkeeper Roman Celentano.

As a result, the goal was officially recorded as an own goal rather than Messi’s third strike of the night.

The ruling kept Messi’s official career hat-trick total at 60, leaving him six behind Cristiano Ronaldo’s all-time record of 66 career hat-tricks.

Even without the hat-trick, Messi’s numbers remain extraordinary. The Inter Miami captain now has 11 MLS goals and multiple assists in just 12 league appearances this season.

Inter Miami’s Attack Continues to Terrify MLS Defenses

What stood out most against Cincinnati was Inter Miami’s relentless attacking quality.

Despite trailing twice, Miami never lost belief in its ability to outscore the opposition. The attacking trio of Messi, Suárez, and Berterame constantly stretched Cincinnati’s defensive structure, while De Paul controlled transitions from midfield.

Inter Miami finished the match with:

• 53.7% possession
• 17 total shots
• 8 corner kicks
• 515 completed passes

Cincinnati remained dangerous throughout the match, but Miami’s superior creativity in the final third ultimately made the difference.

Messi’s influence extended far beyond goals. He consistently dropped deeper to collect possession, created passing angles for teammates, and forced Cincinnati defenders to collapse centrally, opening space for runners like Silvetti and Berterame.

Cincinnati’s Collapse Raises Questions

For FC Cincinnati, the defeat represented a painful missed opportunity.

According to match records, it was the first time since Pat Noonan became coach in 2023 that Cincinnati lost a match after leading beyond the 75th minute.

The home side produced several excellent attacking moments:

• Denkey scored his 30th career goal for the club.
• Evander continued his impressive form with another long-range strike.
• Pavel Bucha controlled large stretches of midfield play.

Yet defensive instability late in the match proved costly.

The collision involving Andrei Chirila and goalkeeper Roman Celentano before Berterame’s winner symbolized Cincinnati’s chaotic closing minutes. Miami sensed vulnerability and punished every mistake.

Messi’s MLS Impact Continues to Grow

Beyond the result itself, the match highlighted Messi’s broader impact on Major League Soccer.

Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos praised both Messi and the team after the game, saying:

“What they did today was brilliant, against a tough team and on a difficult pitch.”

Hoyos added:

“They’re here to play, to give everything, and to show the world that football is played here too.”

Messi’s arrival in MLS has elevated global attention on the league, increased television audiences, boosted ticket demand, and raised the competitive expectations surrounding Inter Miami.

The match against Cincinnati demonstrated exactly why MLS executives and fans continue to view Messi as a transformative figure for North American soccer ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Inter Miami’s Eastern Conference Ambitions

The victory moved Inter Miami to 25 points and intensified the Eastern Conference title race.

Miami now sits just behind Nashville in the standings and appears to be building momentum at the perfect stage of the season. The club has won seven consecutive away matches and continues to produce goals at an elite level.

However, questions remain about Miami’s defensive consistency. Conceding three goals against Cincinnati exposed vulnerabilities that stronger playoff opponents could exploit later in the year.

Still, with Messi performing at an elite level at age 38, Inter Miami has become one of the most dangerous teams in MLS.

Final Thoughts

The clash between FC Cincinnati and Inter Miami delivered everything fans could want from a marquee MLS matchup: elite attacking football, late drama, controversial decisions, and another unforgettable Lionel Messi performance.

Even without the officially recognized hat-trick, Messi dominated the match and once again proved why he remains one of football’s defining figures.

For Inter Miami, the 5-3 victory was more than just three points. It was another reminder that as long as Messi is on the field, no game is ever out of reach.