Messi Scores Twice as Inter Miami Wins 5-3 at Cincinnati

Lionel Messi scored twice and provided an assist to spark Inter Miami's 5-3 comeback victory over FC Cincinnati on Wednesday night at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Inter Miami trailed 3-2 in the 64th minute before netting three unanswered goals in the final stages. Messi opened the scoring in the 24th minute, deflecting a misplaced clearance by Cincinnati defender Matt Miazga into an empty net. Cincinnati equalized in the 41st minute on Kevin Denkey's penalty kick and took a 2-1 lead shortly after halftime when Pavel Bucha scored from close range.

Messi leveled the score at 2-2 in the 55th minute with a left-footed finish from Rodrigo De Paul's cross. Evander restored Cincinnati's lead in the 64th minute with a long-range strike, his seventh goal in six matches. Substitute Mateo Silvetti tied the game at 3-3 in the 79th minute, converting Messi's pass after a turnover deep in Cincinnati territory.

German Berterame put Inter Miami ahead four minutes later on a free kick from Messi. Cincinnati defender Andrei Chirila collided with goalkeeper Roman Celentano, leaving the net empty for Berterame to tap in. The fifth goal came in the 89th minute when Messi's right-footed effort...