Messi's multi-goal streak ends in Inter Miami's 3-0 loss to FC Cincinnati

Lionel Messi’s record-setting run of scoring multiple goals in five consecutive MLS matches came to an end Wednesday night as Inter Miami suffered a 3-0 defeat to FC Cincinnati.

Cincinnati took control early, with Gerardo Valenzuela scoring in the first half and Evander adding two more after the break to keep the team just one point behind Philadelphia Union in the Eastern Conference. Philadelphia beat CF Montreal 2-1 on the same night.

The defeat ended Inter Miami’s five-match winning streak. With a record of 11 wins, 4 losses, and 5 draws, they now sit fifth in the Eastern Conference standings.

Messi, who leads MLS with 16 goals in 17 matches, became the first player in league history to score multiple goals in more than four straight games. However, Cincinnati once again proved a tough opponent for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who has now faced them three times without much success.

Valenzuela opened the scoring with a sharp angled strike in the 16th minute. Messi managed just one shot in the first half, easily handled by goalkeeper Roman Celentano during stoppage time.

Evander doubled the lead shortly after halftime with his 14th goal of the season—also marking his 50th in MLS. He later sealed the win with a rebound goal following a shot by Luca Orellano.

Messi had another opportunity in the 78th minute, but Celentano made a diving save to deny him.

Despite playing over 90 minutes for the eighth consecutive game—including Club World Cup fixtures—Messi appeared fatigued at times, even covering the least distance among all players in the second half.

Cincinnati were without their second-highest scorer, Kevin Denkey, due to a leg injury, but still managed to dominate and contain Inter Miami’s offense.