Messi Hat-Trick Powers Inter Miami to Thrilling 5-3 Victory Over Cincinnati
Miami, 14 May 2026
Lionel Messi delivered a masterclass performance on 12 May 2026, scoring three goals to lead Inter Miami’s dramatic comeback against FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium. The match was a goal-fest with eight total strikes, as Miami twice trailed before ultimately prevailing 5-3. Messi’s hat-trick included crucial goals in the 24th, 55th, and 89th minutes, with additional strikes from Mateo Silvetti and German Berterame sealing the victory. Cincinnati responded with goals from Kevin Denkey, Pavel Bucha, and Evander in what became one of the most entertaining matches of the MLS season. The victory improved Inter Miami’s impressive away record to 7-1-1, demonstrating their continued dominance on the road whilst showcasing the Argentine legend’s enduring brilliance in American football.
From Collapse to Comeback
This remarkable turnaround comes just days after Inter Miami’s devastating collapse against Orlando City, where the club surrendered a commanding three-goal advantage to lose 4-3 at home [https://kakuma.bytes.news/f445a47-Lionel-Messi-Inter-Miami/]. The psychological resilience displayed at TQL Stadium on 12 May 2026 demonstrated Miami’s ability to bounce back from adversity, with Messi once again proving to be the catalyst for his team’s success [1][2]. The match began with Cincinnati taking an early advantage, but Miami’s response showcased the mental fortitude that championship-caliber teams possess.
A Tale of Two Halves
The opening exchanges saw FC Cincinnati strike first through Kevin Denkey’s penalty conversion in the 41st minute, marking his eighth goal of the season [2]. Miami’s equalizer came in fortuitous circumstances when Matt Miazga’s defensive clearance deflected off Messi and found the net in the 24th minute [1]. Cincinnati responded emphatically just four minutes into the second half with Pavel Bucha restoring their lead [2]. The momentum swung decisively at the 55-minute mark when Messi produced a moment of pure brilliance, converting a left-footed equalizer from Rodrigo De Paul’s cross [2]. This goal perfectly encapsulated the Argentine’s technical mastery and ability to find solutions in the most challenging circumstances.
Miami’s Clinical Finishing Spree
The final quarter-hour witnessed an extraordinary goal rush that epitomized modern football’s attacking philosophy. Mateo Silvetti broke the deadlock in the 79th minute, giving Miami their first lead of the evening [2]. German Berterame extended the advantage just five minutes later in the 84th minute, demonstrating the squad’s depth beyond their headline star [2]. Messi completed his hat-trick in the 89th minute, sealing a performance that earned him a perfect 10/10 rating [1]. Despite Evander’s response for Cincinnati, scoring his seventh goal in the past six matches [2], Miami’s attacking prowess proved overwhelming in the closing stages.
Road Warriors Continue Impressive Form
This victory elevated Inter Miami’s away record to an exceptional 7-1-1, underlining their remarkable consistency when playing away from home [2]. The team has now scored 12 goals across their past three fixtures, though defensive concerns persist after conceding nine goals during the same period [2]. Cincinnati entered the match with impressive form, boasting an unbeaten streak of six consecutive games and a formidable 5-1-1 home record at TQL Stadium [2]. Miami’s ability to overcome such resilient opposition whilst playing away from home demonstrates the psychological advantage that world-class players like Messi provide. The victory also served as redemption for Miami’s previous visit to TQL Stadium, where they eliminated Cincinnati 4-0 in the 2025 Eastern Conference Semifinals [2].