Lionel Messi's streak of scoring two goals in five straight games came to an end in Miami's loss to Cincinnati on Wednesday.
Lionel Messi’s magical scoring run in Major League Soccer came to a halt on Wednesday night. Inter Miami, who had been flying high, suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat against FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium in Ohio. The game marked the end of Messi’s five-match streak of scoring two goals in each game — a record in MLS history.
But while Messi was quiet, Cincinnati’s Evander made plenty of noise. The midfielder not only scored twice but also etched his name into the club's record books, becoming the first Cincinnati player to score in five consecutive matches.
Cincinnati Dominates From Start to Finish
From the opening whistle, Cincinnati looked sharper and more energized. They pressed hard, won duels, and created consistent chances in the final third. Their high intensity and cohesive structure left Miami struggling to find rhythm.
Gerardo Valenzuela opened the scoring in the first half with a clinical finish. Shortly after the break, Evander doubled the lead with a precise left-footed shot from the center of the box, slotting it into the bottom right corner. His second goal sealed the victory, bringing his season tally to 15 goals.
Miami’s Five-Game Winning Streak Ends
The loss ended Inter Miami’s five-game winning run and marked their first regular-season defeat since May 18. Coach Javier Mascherano didn’t mince words in the post-match press conference.
“We were clearly outclassed today,” Mascherano admitted. “From the very beginning, we struggled to compete, especially in individual battles. Physically, we looked drained — and it showed.”
Messi Marked and Muzzled
Cincinnati’s defense delivered a tactical masterclass in handling Messi. The Argentine superstar had just two chances before halftime. The first was blocked by Lukas Engel, and the second was saved by goalkeeper Roman Celentano, who earned his seventh clean sheet of the season.
The hosts were relentless in closing down spaces, forcing Miami into errors and preventing them from settling into any attacking rhythm.
Injuries Continue to Trouble Miami
Inter Miami also faced injury setbacks during the match. Goalkeeper Oscar Ustari exited the game in the first half due to an injury, replaced by Rocco Ríos Novo. Mascherano said further tests were needed to determine the severity.
Injuries have plagued the team all season. Mascherano pointed to the demanding summer schedule — including Club World Cup fixtures — as a likely factor behind the team’s growing list of muscular issues.
“The intensity of our recent matches has been extremely high,” Mascherano said. “We’ve suffered many muscle injuries. We need to figure out what’s going wrong, improve, and prevent more breakdowns.”
Eastern Conference Shake-Up
With the win, FC Cincinnati climbed to second place in the Eastern Conference, just behind leaders Philadelphia Union. Miami, on the other hand, now sits in fifth but holds three games in hand, and a real chance to close the eight-point gap.
Despite the setback, Miami remains a strong contender.
However, the team must address fatigue and fitness concerns if they want to return to winning form and push for the top spot.
MVP Chants — But Not for Messi
As the match wore on and Cincinnati’s control became clear, chants of “MVP” echoed around the stadium. Surprisingly, they weren’t for Messi — but for Evander. The midfielder’s dynamic display reminded fans that even against world champions, local heroes can shine the brightest.
