Inter Miami Secures Thrilling Comeback Victory Against FC Cincinnati
Match Highlights
Photo: @UmokeEzennaya/X
Cincinnati, May 14: Captain Lionel Messi scored twice, alongside goals from Mateo Silvetti and German Berterame, leading Inter Miami CF to a thrilling 5-3 comeback victory over FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium.
This win allowed Inter Miami to match FC Cincinnati's record for the most points (22) accumulated in the first nine away matches of an MLS regular season.
Messi opened the scoring in the 24th minute, taking advantage of a defensive error to net his 10th goal of the season.
Just before halftime, Kevin Denkey equalized for Cincinnati with a penalty kick in the 44th minute.
The second half began with Pavel Bucha putting Cincinnati ahead in the 49th minute. However, Messi equalized again in the 55th minute, scoring with a left-footed shot from the center of the box after a precise assist from De Paul.
This marked Messi's 11th goal of the season, while De Paul recorded his sixth assist.
Evander then scored for Cincinnati in the 64th minute, regaining the lead for the hosts. Yet, Miami's offense responded decisively in the final minutes.
Substitute Mateo Silvetti leveled the match at 3-3 in the 79th minute, finishing a pass from Messi into the bottom-right corner, marking his third goal of the season and Messi's fifth assist.
Berterame then put Miami back in front in the 84th minute, capitalizing on a loose ball after a free kick, bringing his season tally to four.
The match concluded with an own goal by Cincinnati's goalkeeper Roman Caletano in the 89th minute, following a shot from Messi that hit the post, sealing a 5-3 comeback victory for Miami.