Lionel Messi inspires Inter Miami to 5-3 comeback win in eight-goal thriller

Lionel Messi once again proved decisive as Inter Miami edged a chaotic 5-3 victory over FC Cincinnati in a high-scoring MLS clash.

In a game that quickly turned into an end-to-end battle, Miami found themselves trailing twice but responded each time, with their attacking firepower ultimately making the difference. Messi was at the heart of everything, influencing key moments as the Herons overwhelmed their opponents.

MLS

2026-05-13 23:30

FC Cincinnati

3 – 5

FT

Internacional CF Miami

Matchday 13 Regular season

Miami took an early lead through a fortunate deflection involving Messi, but Cincinnati hit back with two goals to take control. Messi then restored parity in the second half, only for Cincinnati to strike again and regain the advantage.

From there, Miami’s attack took over. Messi played a key role in the equaliser, before a defensive mistake allowed Germán Berterame to put the visitors ahead. A late own goal sealed the win and capped off a breathless encounter.

The match highlighted both the strengths and weaknesses of Inter Miami. While their defensive issues remain evident, their ability to outscore opponents continues to set them apart.

In open, attacking games, few teams can match their firepower, especially with Messi pulling the strings.

MLS standings

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	+/-	PTS
1	Nashville SC Nashville	12	8	3	1	26	8	18	27
2	Internacional CF Miami Inter Miami	13	7	4	2	31	24	7	25
3	New England Revolution New England	12	7	1	4	20	16	4	22
4	Chicago Fire FC Chicago Fire	12	6	2	4	23	15	8	20
5	New York City FC New York City	13	5	3	5	23	18	5	18
6	New York Red Bulls New York RB	13	5	3	5	22	30	-8	18
7	D.C. United SC D.C. United	13	4	4	5	16	20	-4	16
8	FC Cincinnati FC Cincinnati	13	4	4	5	27	32	-5	16
9	Charlotte FC Charlotte	13	4	3	6	20	22	-2	15
10	Toronto FC Toronto	12	3	5	4	20	24	-4	14
11	Montreal Impact FC Montr Impact	12	4	1	7	18	25	-7	13
12	Orlando City SC Orlando City	13	4	1	8	20	37	-17	13
13	Columbus Crew SC Columbus Crew	13	3	3	7	18	22	-4	12
14	Atlanta United FC Atlanta United	12	3	1	8	13	20	-7	10
15	Philadelphia Union Philadelphia	13	1	3	9	13	23	-10	6
1	Vancouver Whitecaps FC Whitecaps	12	9	2	1	30	9	21	29
2	San Jose Earthquakes SJ Earthquakes	13	9	2	2	29	11	18	29
3	Seattle Sounders FC Sounders	11	7	3	1	17	8	9	24
4	Real Salt Lake Real Salt Lake	12	7	1	4	23	17	6	22
5	Los Angeles FC Los Angeles FC	13	6	3	4	21	14	7	21
6	Minnesota United FC Minnesota U	13	6	3	4	16	19	-3	21
7	FC Dallas FC Dallas	13	5	4	4	25	19	6	19
8	Houston Dynamo Houston Dynamo	12	6	0	6	17	22	-5	18
9	San Diego FC San Diego	13	4	4	5	25	20	5	16
10	Colorado Rapids SC Colorado	13	5	1	7	23	20	3	16
11	Los Angeles Galaxy LA Galaxy	13	4	4	5	19	21	-2	16
12	Portland Timbers Timbers	12	4	2	6	21	23	-2	14
13	Austin FC Austin	13	3	5	5	18	26	-8	14
14	St. Louis City St. Louis	12	3	3	6	12	19	-7	12
15	Sporting Kansas City Sporting KC	12	2	2	8	11	33	-22	8