Inter Miami star Lionel Messi continued his hot start to the 2026 MLS season, scoring twice in a 5-3 win over FC Cincinnati on Wednesday.
Messi delivered the opener in the 24th minute and then equalized in the 55th after Miami fell behind 2-1. The Herons trailed again deep into the second half until goals from Mateo Silvetti and Germán Berterame propelled them back into the lead. An own goal from Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano was the capper.
After the match, Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos called Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suárez “players who truly elevate the MLS.”
“What they accomplished today was brilliant, simply brilliant,” he said, per ESPN.com. “To perform that way on a difficult pitch, against a very tough opponent, speaks volumes.”
With the win, Miami moved up to second in the Eastern Conference with 25 points. The club is now unbeaten in its last eight road matches, which includes a five-match winning streak.
