Inter Miami secured a dramatic 5-3 win over FC Cincinnati on Wednesday night in front of a sell-out crowd at TQL Stadium.
The match brought together the two highest-scoring teams in the Eastern Conference, and it certainly delivered on the anticipation with an action-packed, goal-filled affair.
Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 24th minute, capitalizing on a mistake from Cincinnati center back Matt Miazga and blasting the ball past goalkeeper Roman Celentano.
Cincinnati star striker Kévin Denkey equalized from the penalty spot in the 41st minute, sending the match into halftime at 1-1.
The second half erupted into a back-and-forth battle. Cincinnati took a 2-1 lead early in the half, only for Messi to equalize eight minutes later.
Cincinnati's Evander gave the hosts a 3-2 lead in the 64th minute with a stunning upper-90 finish from outside the box.
Inter Miami responded with three unanswered goals, including Messi's third of the night in the 89th minute and a Germán Berterame volley, to secure a 5-3 victory.
Inter Miami Player Report Card vs. FC Cincinnati
| Position | Player | Grade | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Dayne St. Clair | D- | Got a hand on Denkey's penalty but was overpowered in the second half. |
| RB | Ian Fray | B | Returned from injury and provided good attacking width on the right flank. |
| CB | Gonzalo Luján | C- | More stable than recent starts but gave up the penalty after tugging Denkey's jersey. |
| CB | Micael | C- | Struggled in communication with Reguilón, often overwhelmed by Denkey and Evander. |
| LB | Sergio Reguilón | D | Made just his third start of the season. Struggled early containing Denkey but settled in. Allowed Bucha unmarked for Cincinnati's second goal. |
| RM | Rodrigo De Paul | B | Looked agile and explosive, frequently getting into attack despite typical defensive role. |
| CM | Yannick Bright | C | Taking on more central role in 4-3-3. Looked overwhelmed at times by Evander's offensive prowess. |
| LM | Telasco Segovia | A | Dynamic through the middle, combined well with Bright and De Paul, made up for Suárez's lack of mobility. |
| RW | Lionel Messi | A+ | Hat trick. Third straight match with at least three goal contributions. Third hat trick of his MLS career. |
| ST | Germán Berterame | C | Largely ineffective until his late volley goal. |