Lionel Messi scores hat-trick as Inter Miami defeats FC Cincinnati in MLS thriller

Lionel Messi produced three goals and one assist as Inter Miami stormed past FC Cincinnati in one of the wildest MLS matches of the season.

Photo: sofascore.com

Lionel Messi once again reminded the football world why he remains one of the sport’s defining figures, leading Inter Miami CF to a thrilling 5-3 victory over FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium. The Argentine superstar delivered a vintage performance with three goals, one assist and countless moments of brilliance in a match that quickly turned into an MLS showcase.

Messi opened the scoring in the 24th minute after capitalizing on a defensive mistake involving Matt Miazga and goalkeeper Roman Celentano. The forward pressed aggressively, anticipated the play and calmly finished to give Miami the lead.

Before halftime, Messi had already created several dangerous moments, including a pinpoint corner kick, a clever chipped pass for Luis Suárez and a disallowed goal for offside.

The second half exploded into chaos. Cincinnati twice grabbed the lead through Pavel Bucha and Evander, while Kévin Denkey also converted from the penalty spot. Yet every home breakthrough was answered by Miami’s relentless attack.

Messi’s second goal came after a quick combination with Suárez, with the Argentine arriving centrally to finish left-footed from close range. Minutes later, he assisted substitute Mateo Silvetti for the equalizer before helping create the sequence that led to Germán Berterame’s go-ahead strike.

The hat-trick was completed late in the match when Silvetti delivered a low cross and Messi dove forward to guide the ball into the net.

Miami also controlled key statistical areas, finishing ahead in possession, shots and clear chances created. Rodrigo De Paul, Telasco Segovia and Yannick Bright all played important supporting roles in midfield.

Even at 38 years old, Messi continues to shape matches with extraordinary ease, producing performances that transcend league labels and remind fans worldwide that greatness still has another chapter left to write.