Lionel Messi delivered another magical night in MLS. With two goals and an assist, the Argentine led Inter Miami’s spectacular comeback, defeating Cincinnati 5-3 at TQL Stadium in one of the most thrilling matches of the season.
The Argentine had already made his presence felt early on with a goal disallowed for offside, clearly demonstrating his intensity from the first minute. And he would soon get his revenge. In the 24th minute, Messi capitalized on a defensive error inside the box and, after a rebound, slotted home to give the Florida side a 1-0 lead.
However, Cincinnati reacted quickly and turned the game around. The equalizer came from the penalty spot, and just after the start of the second half, Bryan Ramírez broke down the left flank and sent in a low cross that Bucha tapped in to make it 2-1.
At the most crucial moment of the match, the usual suspect appeared once again. In the 54th minute, Rodrigo De Paul threaded a low pass into the box, and Messi finished first-time with his left foot to make it 2-2 and complete his brace.
The team, managed on an interim basis by Guillermo Hoyos, threw everything forward in search of a comeback and came close with a shot from Luis Suárez that struck the post. But just when Inter Miami was playing its best, Evander appeared with a spectacular goal. The Brazilian outpaced De Paul on a counter-attack and unleashed a right-footed shot that was impossible for Dayne St. Clair to stop, restoring Cincinnati’s lead at 3-2.
Far from giving up, The Herons reacted once more. In the 79th minute, Messi assisted Silvetti, who finished with class to make it 3-3 and breathe life back into the pink-clad team.
Five minutes later, an unusual play occurred. Goalkeeper Roman Celentano collided with a teammate while clearing the ball, leaving it perfectly placed for Germán Berterame, who simply had to tap it in to make it 4-3.
But the perfect ending to another unforgettable Messi performance was still to come.
In the 89th minute, Inter Miami orchestrated a brilliant team move between Segovia and Silvetti, who played a one-two with the goalkeeper into the heart of the penalty area. There, Leo appeared, falling to the ground, to tap the ball in with his right foot and seal the 5-3 victory. It looked like he was going to complete his hat trick, but a VAR review later ruled it an own goal by goalkeeper Roman Celentano.
