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	14	10	3	1	31	11	20	33
2	Internacional CF Miami Inter Miami	15	9	4	2	39	28	11	31
3	Chicago Fire FC Chicago Fire	14	8	2	4	27	16	11	26
4	New England Revolution New England	14	8	1	5	22	18	4	25
5	New York Red Bulls New York RB	15	6	4	5	25	32	-7	22
6	Charlotte FC Charlotte	15	6	3	6	24	23	1	21
7	FC Cincinnati FC Cincinnati	15	5	5	5	36	37	-1	20
8	New York City FC New York City	15	5	4	6	25	21	4	19
9	D.C. United SC D.C. United	15	4	6	5	21	25	-4	18
10	Columbus Crew SC Columbus Crew	15	4	4	7	21	23	-2	16
11	Toronto FC Toronto	14	3	5	6	22	29	-7	14
12	Montreal Impact FC Montr Impact	14	4	2	8	22	31	-9	14
13	Orlando City SC Orlando City	15	4	2	9	23	44	-21	14
14	Atlanta United FC Atlanta United	14	3	2	9	14	23	-9	11
15	Philadelphia Union Philadelphia	15	1	4	10	18	30	-12	7
1	Vancouver Whitecaps FC Whitecaps	14	10	2	2	34	12	22	32
2	San Jose Earthquakes SJ Earthquakes	15	10	2	3	34	15	19	32
3	Real Salt Lake Real Salt Lake	14	8	2	4	26	19	7	26
4	FC Dallas FC Dallas	15	7	4	4	30	22	8	25
5	Los Angeles FC Los Angeles FC	15	7	3	5	24	17	7	24
6	Seattle Sounders FC Sounders	13	7	3	3	17	11	6	24
7	Houston Dynamo Houston Dynamo	14	7	1	6	19	23	-4	22
8	Minnesota United FC Minnesota U	15	6	4	5	18	22	-4	22
9	Los Angeles Galaxy LA Galaxy	15	5	5	5	22	22	0	20
10	San Diego FC San Diego	15	4	5	6	30	27	3	17
11	Colorado Rapids SC Colorado	15	5	1	9	25	24	1	16
12	St. Louis City St. Louis	14	4	4	6	16	20	-4	16
13	Portland Timbers Timbers	14	4	2	8	22	28	-6	14
14	Austin FC Austin	15	3	5	7	19	31	-12	14
15	Sporting Kansas City Sporting KC	14	3	2	9	14	36	-22	11