Argentine star leads comeback after Inter Miami twice fall behind in eight-goal encounter
Lionel Messi scored twice as Inter Miami CF produced a dramatic 5-3 comeback victory over FC Cincinnati in a high-intensity Major League Soccer clash on Wednesday.
Messi opened the scoring in the 24th minute to give the visitors an early lead, but Cincinnati responded strongly before halftime. Goals from Kevin Denkey and Pavel Bucha turned the match around, putting the home side ahead going into the break.
The momentum continued after halftime as Cincinnati extended their advantage through Brazilian midfielder Evander, who struck a powerful long-range effort into the top corner from outside the box.
However, Inter Miami responded with resilience. Messi equalized just before the hour mark with a composed finish following a cross from Rodrigo De Paul, bringing the visitors back into the contest.
The turning point came late in the match when substitute Mateo Silvetti finished a flowing move involving Messi to put Inter Miami ahead for the first time since the opening stages.
Shortly after, the pressure on Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano intensified. He spilled a Messi free-kick, allowing German Berterame to score from the rebound and extend Miami’s lead.
Celentano’s difficult night worsened when he accidentally turned the ball into his own net while attempting to stop another Messi effort, sealing a dramatic finish to the encounter.
The result moved Inter Miami into second place in the Eastern Conference with 25 points from 13 matches, just two points behind leaders Nashville SC, while Cincinnati slipped further behind in the standings.
The match once again highlighted Messi’s influence in MLS, as the World Cup winner continued to play a decisive role in Inter Miami’s attacking resurgence.