Lionel Messi netted two goals and provided an assist, while Germán Berterame scored the decisive goal in the 84th minute, leading Inter Miami CF to a 5-3 comeback victory over FC Cincinnati on Wednesday, marking their seventh consecutive win on the road.
This match marked the third occasion this season where the Argentine legend contributed three or more goals in a single game, as he ranks second in the league with 12 goals.
Mateo Silvetti equalized at 3-3 in the 79th minute after coming off the bench.
For Cincinnati, goals were scored by Kévin Denkey, Pavel Bucha, and Evander. This loss is notable as it’s the first time in 64 games under coach Pat Noonan since 2023 that the team was unable to hold onto a lead after the 75th minute.
Messi opened the scoring for Miami at the 24-minute mark when he deflected a shot off Cincinnati’s Matt Miazga. Denkey responded with a penalty kick equalizer in the 41st minute.
“Talking about Leo is both exhilarating and humbling, firstly for the person he is and secondly for the player you witness on the field,” said Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos after the match.
After Bucha put Cincinnati ahead in the 49th minute, Messi quickly leveled the score at 2-2 just six minutes later with a cutback after receiving a pass from Luis Suárez.
The 38-year-old Argentine superstar recorded his 21st multi-goal game in MLS, extending his record for the most such games since his debut in 2023. LAFC striker Denis Bouanga is in second place with 17.
Evander’s strike in the 64th minute gave Cincinnati a brief 3-2 advantage, but Miami answered back with three consecutive goals.
After Silvetti’s equalizer, Miami took the lead from a set piece when Cincinnati’s Andrei Chirila collided with goalkeeper Roman Celentano, allowing Berterame to finish into an open net.
Messi nearly completed a hat trick in the 89th minute when his shot hit the post and deflected off Celentano, but it was later ruled an own goal. This would have marked Messi’s 61st hat trick across all competitions.
“Players like him [Messi], Rodrigo [De Paul], and [Luis] Suárez significantly elevate the quality of MLS. Their performance today was simply outstanding—especially on a challenging pitch against such a formidable opponent,” Hoyos concluded.