Messi scores twice as Inter Miami rally to thrilling 5-3 win over FC Cincinnati

MIAMI: After falling behind early in the second half, Inter Miami produced a stunning comeback to defeat Cincinnati 5-3 in a dramatic MLS clash. Messi netted twice and was unlucky to miss out on a hat-trick when a late effort was officially recorded as an own goal by Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano.

Messi opened the scoring in the first half after Matt Miazga’s clearance ricocheted off him and into the net. Cincinnati responded before the break through Kevin Denkey’s penalty and then took the lead early in the second half thanks to Pavel Bucha.

However, Messi brought Miami level again by finishing off a slick passing move, sparking a dominant second-half display as the visitors powered to an entertaining victory.