Lionel Messi delivered a two-goal, one-assist performance, German Berterame netted the decisive 84th-minute strike, and Inter Miami capitalized on two defensive catastrophes to secure a 5-3 comeback victory over FC Cincinnati on Wednesday night.
The Herons (7-2-4, 25 points) extended their MLS road winning streak to five matches, rallying from a 3-2 deficit with three unanswered goals in the final 11 minutes of regulation. The victory marked Miami’s second consecutive win at TQL Stadium, following their 4-0 demolition of Cincinnati in the 2025 Eastern Conference semifinals.
A Tale of Two Halves and Costly Errors
Messi opened the scoring in the 24th minute, exploiting Cincinnati’s first major blunder. Under no immediate pressure, center back Matt Miazga attempted an ill-advised pass across his own penalty area. Messi read the play instantly, intercepted the delivery, and deflected the ball into an empty net—a clinical punishment of a moment that should have resulted in a simple clearance for a corner kick.
Cincinnati responded with purpose. Pavel Bucha leveled the score, and Kevin Denkey—recording his eighth goal of the season along with two assists—combined with Evander, whose sublime 64th-minute strike gave the hosts a 3-2 advantage. Evander’s seventh goal of the campaign appeared poised to extend Cincinnati’s six-match unbeaten run.
Messi Conducts the Late Rally
The momentum shifted decisively in the 79th minute. Following a Cincinnati turnover in its own defensive third, Messi received the ball and immediately played a precise pass to 20-year-old Mateo Silvetti on the left side of the penalty area. Silvetti executed a sharp cutback inside and guided a low, traffic-defying finish into the bottom right corner, pulling Miami level at 3-3.
Five minutes later, Berterame delivered the go-ahead goal—his fourth of the season—courtesy of another Cincinnati defensive collapse. Messi sent a diagonal free kick toward the top of the six-yard box, a delivery that appeared routine for goalkeeper Roman Celentano. However, center back Andrei Chirila collided with his own keeper, causing Celentano to spill the ball directly into the path of Berterame, who tapped into an unguarded net.
Messi Denied Hat Trick by Own-Goal Ruling
Messi nearly completed his third MLS hat trick in the 89th minute. Running onto Silvetti’s cross from the left, he drove a sliding finish that struck the inside of the right post. The ball then bounced off Celentano and crossed the goal line, but it was ultimately ruled an own goal rather than credited to the Argentine superstar.
Statistical Snapshot
-
Inter Miami: 7-2-4 (25 points), 5 consecutive road victories
-
FC Cincinnati: 4-5-4 (16 points), 6-match unbeaten streak snapped
-
Cincinnati’s defensive vulnerability: Conceded 3+ goals for the 5th time in 9 matches
-
Messi: 11 goals on the season (two on the night) plus one assist
-
Rodrigo de Paul: Two assists
-
Kevin Denkey (CIN): One goal, two assists
What It Means
The victory reinforces Inter Miami’s status as a legitimate MLS Cup contender, demonstrating not only their attacking firepower but also their resilience in hostile environments. For Cincinnati, the result raises persistent questions about defensive organization and concentration, as individual errors continue to undermine an otherwise competitive outfit.
Contributor Jacque Ojadidi
Photo Courtesy Filed Level Media
