Cincinnati, May 14, 2026: In a night that will be remembered as a classic in Major League Soccer (MLS) history, Lionel Messi delivered a masterclass performance to lead Inter Miami to a hard-fought 5-3 victory against FC Cincinnati at the TQL Stadium.
The Match Narrative
The game began with high intensity as both sides looked to dominate. FC Cincinnati took an early lead through a clinical penalty by Kevin Denkey in the 39th minute. However, the lead was short-lived. Messi, showing his “Little Magician” persona, equalized in the second half (55′) after a fluid team move involving Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul.
The Messi Show
The second half turned into a tactical battle that Messi eventually broke open. While Cincinnati fought back to make it 3-2 at one stage, Messi took the game by the scruff of its neck. His second goal came from a pinpoint strike, and he completed his hat-trick in the 89th minute, poking the ball into the bottom corner after a clever layoff from Silvetti.
Key Performances
Apart from Messi’s brilliance, Inter Miami’s victory was bolstered by solid contributions from Rodrigo De Paul and Mateo Silvetti. For the hosts, Kevin Denkey remained a constant threat, but his efforts weren’t enough to stop the Miami juggernaut led by the Argentine captain.
With this win, Inter Miami continues its dominant run in the 2026 season, solidifying its position at the top of the Eastern Conference.
