Lionel Messi delivered another masterclass on Wednesday night, scoring a brace to lead Inter Miami to a 5-3 victory over FC Cincinnati and extend the club's remarkable road winning streak. The Argentine superstar, who has been in scintillating form to open the 2026 MLS season, was hailed as “brilliant” for his performance at TQL Stadium. Messi’s two goals—one a trademark curling finish from outside the box and the other a clinical close-range strike—proved decisive in a back-and-forth affair that saw both teams trade blows in the first half before Miami pulled away after the break.
The victory keeps Inter Miami perfect away from home this season, a run that has been fueled by Messi’s undeniable influence on the attack. His first goal came in the 28th minute, latching onto a through ball before bending a shot past Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano. The second, a poacher’s finish in the 64th minute, effectively sealed the result and quieted a Cincinnati side that had briefly equalized early in the second half. Miami’s defense bent but did not break, conceding three goals while still managing to outlast a relentless Cincinnati press.
For Cincinnati, the loss snapped a two-game winning streak and exposed vulnerabilities against elite attacking talent. Despite goals from Luciano Acosta and a double from Brandon Vázquez, the hosts could not contain Miami’s transition speed nor Messi’s ability to find space in tight areas. Inter Miami now sit atop the Eastern Conference standings, and with Messi producing at this level, their road dominance looks poised to continue. The club will next face a stern test against New York Red Bulls, but after Wednesday’s display, few will bet against them extending their streak.