Inter Miami overturned a 3-2 deficit to beat FC Cincinnati 5-3, with Lionel Messi scoring twice and assisting during a late rally that included Mateo Silvetti’s equaliser and German Berterame’s 84th-minute winner. The Herons extended their road dominance while Cincinnati’s recurring defensive lapses proved decisive in a high-drama MLS encounter.
Inter Miami 5, FC Cincinnati 3 — Match recap
Inter Miami recovered from a 3-2 hole to claim a 5-3 win at FC Cincinnati, extending their away run and handing the hosts a costly defensive reality check. Lionel Messi finished with two goals and an assist; Mateo Silvetti’s 79th-minute equaliser ignited the comeback and German Berterame’s 84th-minute strike put Miami ahead for good. A late own goal sealed the score.
Quick timeline
Messi opened the scoring in the 24th minute after pressuring Matt Miazga into a turnover. Cincinnati responded with goals from Pavel Bucha and Kevin Denkey to take the lead, and Messi’s second — a 55th-minute finish from Rodrigo de Paul’s cross — drew Miami level. Evander’s superb 64th-minute strike put Cincinnati back ahead at 3-2. Silvetti levelled at 3-3 in the 79th minute; Berterame capitalised on a goalkeeper collision in the 84th to make it 4-3, and a late deflection off Roman Celentano was ruled an own goal to end the scoring.
Key performers
Lionel Messi — catalyst and creator
Messi’s influence was decisive. Beyond his two finishes, he supplied the pass that led to Silvetti’s equaliser and shaped Miami’s attacking rhythm all night. His intelligence in pressing and ability to create from set pieces remain match-defining for Inter Miami.
Mateo Silvetti & German Berterame
Silvetti’s composed finish under pressure showed why Miami’s investment in youth is paying off; his assist for Messi later in the move underlines a growing on-field chemistry. Berterame’s poacher’s instinct — converting after a defensive mix-up — delivered the knockout blow.
FC Cincinnati — attacking threats, defensive fragility
Kevin Denkey had an impressive attacking night with a goal and two assists, and Evander’s 64th-minute strike was clinical. Yet Cincinnati’s defensive errors — a miscontrolled pass that gifted Messi his opener and a collision between Andrei Chirila and Celentano that led to the go-ahead goal — cost them dearly. Conceding three or more goals for the fifth time in nine matches highlights a pattern.
Analysis — why this matters
Inter Miami’s comeback underscores two enduring truths: Messi elevates any side’s ceiling, and Miami’s squad has the resilience to overturn dangerous situations. The Herons’ fifth straight MLS road win (seventh across competitions) signals a team peaking away from home — a valuable trait in a parity-driven league.
For Cincinnati, the result exposes structural defensive issues that coaching staff must address. Their attack can score, but mistakes in transitional moments and poor coordination between centre back and goalkeeper turned promising spells into defeat.
What could happen next
Inter Miami will ride confidence into upcoming fixtures and can leverage their road form to climb the Eastern Conference table. Cincinnati must prioritise defensive cohesion and communication; without tightening up, they risk dropping further ground despite offensive production.
Context and implications
This match revisited a recent high-profile playoff rematch — Miami had beaten Cincinnati 4-0 in the 2025 Eastern Conference semifinals — and the latest meeting reinforces a psychological edge for the Herons. Messi’s continued high-level output changes how opponents must allocate defensive resources, creating space for teammates like Silvetti and Berterame to thrive.
Final take
A thrilling, error-strewn game that doubled as a status report: Inter Miami look dangerous, resilient and increasingly cohesive; FC Cincinnati remain entertaining in attack but must fix avoidable defensive breakdowns if they want consistent results in MLS.
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Argentinian star forward's brace and an assist steer Miami to their fifth consecutive away victory in the MLS in the US.
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