Lionel Messi turned back the clock with a breathtaking two-goal, two-assist performance as Inter Miami produced a dramatic comeback to defeat FC Cincinnati 5-3 on the road in MLS action Wednesday night. In a match packed with momentum swings, defensive chaos, and elite finishing, Miami showed resilience under pressure to secure a statement win away from home.

With the World Cup in North America less than a month away, Argentina captain Messi is in electric form, continuing to deliver at a relentless pace. He now has 11 goals in 12 MLS matches this season, pushing Inter Miami into second place in the Eastern Conference with 25 points after a vital victory.

First Blow From Messi Sets the Tone

Messi opened the scoring in the 24th minute, capitalizing on a fortunate rebound after a poor clearance from Matt Miazga. It was a moment that set the tone for a chaotic and high-intensity contest in Cincinnati.

FC Cincinnati responded before the break, leveling through Kevin Denkey’s 41st-minute penalty. The hosts then carried that momentum into the second half when Pavel Bucha struck from close range, putting Cincinnati ahead 2-1 shortly after the restart.

Messi Answers Pressure Again

Miami refused to fade.

Messi struck again in the 55th minute, finishing a flowing attacking move with a precise left-footed shot after a cross from Rodrigo De Paul, restoring parity in a match that refused to settle.

But the drama escalated once more when Cincinnati’s Brazilian playmaker Evander unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box in the 64th minute, marking his seventh goal in six matches and putting the hosts back in front at 3-2.

Miami’s Firepower Takes Over Late

Inter Miami’s response was relentless.

Messi then turned provider in the 79th minute, setting up young Argentine Mateo Silvetti to swing the momentum once again. Moments later, Mexico international German Berterame struck to push Miami ahead 4-3 in a stunning late surge.

The final blow came in the 89th minute, and once again Messi was at the center of it all.

The 38-year-old lunged at a cross from Silvetti, connecting with his right foot as the ball crashed off the post and deflected in off goalkeeper Roman Celentano for an own goal, sealing a dramatic 5-3 victory.

Miami Camp Reacts to Statement Win

Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos praised his squad’s performance after the high-pressure win on the road.

"What they did today was brilliant, against a tough team and on a difficult pitch,"

"It’s very hard to play here. It’s clear they’re not here to stroll around MLS.

"They're here to play, to give everything, and to show the world that football is played here too."

He added:

"We’re leaving very happy.

"We were able to play football at a very high level."

With Messi continuing to deliver decisive moments in crucial matches, Inter Miami’s surge up the standings is gaining serious momentum at exactly the right time, as global attention builds ahead of the upcoming international tournament.