Lionel Messi netted twice and had a hand in two others as Inter Miami fought back to beat FC Cincinnati 5-3 away in the MLS on Wednesday.
Lionel Messi scored two goals and was instrumental in two others, leading Inter Miami to a 5-3 victory over FC Cincinnati in MLS on Wednesday. With less than a month remaining until the World Cup in North America, Argentina captain Messi is in magnificent form.
With 11 goals in 12 MLS matches this season, Miami’s latest win has propelled them to second place in the Eastern Conference with 25 points. Messi opened the scoring in the 24th minute, capitalizing on a rebound following a poor clearance by Matt Miazga.
The score stood at 1-1 by halftime following a 41st-minute penalty by Kevin Denkey; then, immediately after the break, Pavel Bucha scored from a pass to put the hosts ahead 2-1.
Messi struck again in the 55th minute, finishing off a brilliant Miami attack with a left-footed shot off a cross from Rodrigo De Paul.
Cincinnati’s Brazilian playmaker Evander put the hosts back in the lead in the 64th minute with a stunning goal from outside the box—his seventh goal in six matches.
However, in the 79th minute, Messi created a scoring opportunity for young Argentine teammate Mateo Silvetti, which ultimately led to a goal by Mexican international Germán Berterame, leveling the score at 4-3.
Messi scored the final goal in the 89th minute.
The 38-year-old fired a quick shot off a cross from Silvetti; the ball struck the post, ricocheted off goalkeeper Roman Celentano, and resulted in an own goal.
Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos heaped praise on his team.
“What they did today was magnificent—against a difficult team and on a difficult pitch,” he said. “It is very difficult to play here. It is clear that they haven’t come to the MLS just to stroll around.
“They have come here to play, to give their all, and to show the world that football is played here, too.”
He further added: “We are leaving very happy.
“We were able to play football at a very high level.”
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