Inter Miami extended its road winning streak to seven with a 5-3 win over Cincinnati on Wednesday, as Lionel Messi scored two goals and provided one assist, and German Bertelame scored the go-ahead goal in the 84th minute.
This is the third time this season that the Argentine superstar has contributed to at least three goals in one match. He has scored 12 goals, which ranks second in the league.
Substitute Matteo Silvetti equalized the score at 3-3 in the 79th minute.
Kevin Denke, Pavel Bucha and Evander scored for Cincinnati. This is the first time in 64 games since Pat Noonan took over as manager in 2023 that they have lost after leading at the 75th minute.
Messi gave Miami a 1-0 lead in the 24th minute after Cincinnati’s Matt Miazga deflected a shot near the Cincinnati goal. Denky tied the score with a penalty kick in the 41st minute.
Busha’s goal in the 49th minute put Cincinnati ahead, and six minutes later Messi made it 2-2 with a cutback off a pass from Luis Suarez.
In the 64th minute, Evander scored a right-footed goal from the center outside the box to give Cincinnati a 3-2 lead. However, Miami fought back and scored the next three goals.
After Silvetti’s goal, Cincinnati’s Andrei Cirilla collided with goaltender Roman Celentano, giving Miami the lead on a set piece that Bertelame poured into an open net.
Messi appeared to have completed his hat-trick in the 89th minute when his shot hit the post and was deflected by Celentano, but it was ruled an own goal shortly after the match. This would have been Messi’s 61st hat-trick in all competitions.
Messi played in 65 games during the regular season, scoring 61 goals and providing 42 assists.
Mami had a 16-10 advantage in shots.
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AP MLS: https://apnews.com/hub/major-league-soccer
