Lionel Messi masterclass powers Inter Miami's WILD win | OneFootball

By Harrison Hamm

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup less than a month away, Lionel Messi is in scorching form for Inter Miami CF.

The Argentine legend led the Herons to a thrilling comeback win over FC Cincinnati on Wednesday night, tallying 2g/1a and forcing an own goal in a 5-3 victory at TQL Stadium.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner now has 11g/5a this season, leads the league in goal contributions, and is one goal off the Golden Boot presented by Audi lead.

With 4g/5a in his last three matches, the back-to-back Landon Donovan MLS MVP is firing on all cylinders for the defending MLS Cup presented by Audi champions.

"It’s brilliant what they did today," interim coach Guillermo Hoyos said after the match.

“It was an incredible game with ups and downs. We are very happy and comfortable that we can play football at a high level."

Man on a mission

After becoming the fastest player in MLS history to reach 100 career goal contributions in a 4-2 win at Toronto FC last Saturday, Messi opened the scoring at Cincy in the 24th minute by deflecting a failed clearance into the net. 

Messi found his brace in the 55th minute with a first-time finish off a cross from fellow Argentine star Rodrigo De Paul, and it appeared the GOAT sealed Miami’s seventh road win this season with a hat trick in the 89th minute, before it was later ruled an own goal off Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano. 

The 2022 World Cup champion also set up Mateo Silvetti for an equalizer in the eight-goal thriller. 

“There are players that truly improve and make the league better,” Hoyos said. “First, because of the player and person [Messi] is. He puts in a lot of work … They left everything on the field today.”

With two games remaining before the World Cup break, Inter Miami are second in the Eastern Conference, two points behind Nashville SC. 

Next up, the Herons host the Portland Timbers as part of a Sunday Night Soccer presented by Continental Tire doubleheader (6 pm ET | Apple TV). 

“[The players] showed the world that they have the presence, the imagination, the experience, the dream to come out as champions and continue to be champions,” Hoyos said.

HIGHLIGHTS: FC Cincinnati vs. Inter Miami CF | May 13, 2026