Lionel Messi’s multi-goal streak in Major League Soccer ended as Inter Miami suffered a 3-0 defeat to FC Cincinnati on Wednesday. The 38-year-old Argentine superstar had scored two goals in five straight matches, setting an MLS record. However, Cincinnati’s strong defensive display left Miami without a single goal.
Messi entered the clash with 16 goals this season and had led Miami to four wins and a draw in his scoring run. The streak marked his best form in the league and his longest multi-goal stretch since 2012 at Barcelona. But against Cincinnati, Messi and his teammates managed only two shots on target throughout the game.
Cincinnati Dominates as Miami Struggles
Cincinnati struck early when 20-year-old Gerardo Valenzuela opened the scoring in the 16th minute. Brazilian forward Evander doubled the lead in the 50th minute and sealed the win with another strike in the 70th minute.
Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano admitted his side was outclassed. “Clearly today we were outplayed from the beginning of the match,” Mascherano said through a translator. “It was very difficult for us to win individual duels. Maybe the fatigue from recent games took its toll.”
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Messi suffered a late knock but finished the game without serious injury, according to Mascherano.
Impact on MLS Standings and What’s Next for Miami
The defeat leaves Inter Miami with 11 wins, 4 losses, and 5 draws, totaling 38 points. They remain fifth in the Eastern Conference, eight points behind leaders Philadelphia Union, who beat Montreal to maintain their top spot in MLS.
Miami still has three games in hand over both Philadelphia and second-place Cincinnati, meaning they can still close the gap if they capitalize on those opportunities. However, Mascherano acknowledged the team must recover quickly. “The result and the way they beat us obviously worries us,” he said. “Now we have to rest and think about the next game.”
Inter Miami will return to action on Saturday when they visit the New York Red Bulls, who are in high spirits after a 5-3 win over New England, with Cameroonian striker Eric Choupo-Moting and Sweden’s Emil Forsberg both scoring twice.
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