Messi's Brace Leads Inter Miami to 5-3 Victory at Cincinnati

In a thrilling MLS match on Wednesday, Lionel Messi scored twice to lead Inter Miami to a 5-3 victory over FC Cincinnati. Messi opened the scoring in the 24th minute after a rebound from a poor clearance by Matt Miazga.

The match was tied 1-1 at halftime after Kevin Denswil converted a penalty in the 41st minute. Pavel Bucha then put Cincinnati ahead 2-1 shortly after the break.

Messi struck again in the 55th minute with a left-footed shot, contributing to Miami's comeback. Cincinnati's Evandro regained the lead for the hosts with a powerful shot from outside the box in the 64th minute.

Mateo Silvetti scored for Miami in the 79th minute, making it 4-3, before Messi netted his second goal in the 89th minute, which deflected off goalkeeper Roman Celentano for an own goal. Miami's coach, Guillermo Hoyos, praised his team's performance against a tough opponent.