By 
Lionel Messi’s record-breaking multi-goal streak came to a screeching halt on Wednesday night, as Inter Miami succumbed to a dominant 3-0 defeat at the hands of FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium. For the first time in over a month, Messi was kept off the scoresheet, his every move smothered by a well-drilled Cincinnati side that offered little space and no mercy.
For-the-first-time-in-over-a-month-Messi-was-kept-off-the-scoresheet-his-every-move-smothered-by-a-well-drilled-Cincinnati-side-that-offered-little-space-and-no-mercy
It was a night of contrast for the Argentine legend. Entering the match, Messi had scored multiple goals in five consecutive MLS appearances—a league record. He was tied atop the MLS goal-scoring chart with 16 goals in just 17 matches. But against Cincinnati, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner encountered a brick wall in the form of goalkeeper Roman Celentano and a disciplined Cincinnati back line.
But-against-Cincinnati-the-eight-time-Ballon-d-Or-winner-encountered-a-brick-wall-in-the-form-of-goalkeeper-Roman-Celentano-and-a-disciplined-Cincinnati-back-line
Meanwhile, Gerardo Valenzuela and Evander starred for the hosts. Valenzuela opened the scoring with a clinical finish in the first half, before Evander struck twice in the second to round off a crucial win for Cincinnati. The victory keeps them just one point behind Philadelphia Union at the summit of the Eastern Conference, after the Union edged past CF Montreal 2-1.
The End of a Magical Run
Messi’s scoring streak had become one of the most captivating storylines in MLS this season. With a sublime combination of vision, movement, and finishing, the 38-year-old had found the net in bunches, leaving defenders and goalkeepers grasping at air. His run of five matches with multiple goals had already set him apart in league history, and with each game, the expectations only soared higher.
But every streak has an end, and Cincinnati made sure of that with a comprehensive defensive performance. Messi was kept unusually quiet throughout the match. His first shot didn’t come until the final seconds of the first half, and even then, it was a tame effort easily gathered by Celentano.
In the second half, Messi’s frustration grew. The Argentine maestro had a golden opportunity in the 78th minute, but his close-range attempt was denied by a brilliant diving save from the Cincinnati goalkeeper—arguably the moment that officially capped a rare off night.
In-the-second-half-Messi’s-frustration-grew-The-Argentine-maestro-had-a-golden-opportunity-in-the-but-his-close-range-attempt-was-denied-by-a-brilliant-diving-save-from-the-Cincinnati-goalkeeper
Messi has now scored 16 goals in 17 appearances this season—a staggering output by any standard—but on Wednesday, the spark dimmed, if only momentarily.
Cincinnati’s Statement Win
For FC Cincinnati, the result was more than just three points—it was a statement of intent. Four days removed from a collapse against the Columbus Crew, where they squandered a two-goal lead in a 4-2 loss, the Ohio-based club bounced back with urgency, composure, and resolve.
They started brightly, putting pressure on Inter Miami from the opening whistle. By the 16th minute, Cincinnati had fired four shots on target compared to none for the visitors. That early momentum paid off when Valenzuela broke through on the left side and finished coolly past Inter Miami keeper Drake Callender for his fifth goal of the season.
Evander, who had endured a frustrating outing against Columbus, returned with a vengeance. Just five minutes into the second half, he latched onto a through ball, burst into the box, and hammered home his 14th goal of the season—and 50th in MLS—to double Cincinnati’s lead.
Later, in the 79th minute, he was in the right place at the right time again. After Luca Orellano’s shot was parried by Callender, Evander pounced on the rebound to make it 3-0, sending the Cincinnati crowd into raptures.
Miami’s Winning Streak Snapped
The loss halted a five-match winning run for Inter Miami, who now sit fifth in the Eastern Conference with an 11-4-5 record. Despite Messi’s brilliance this season, the Herons were unable to break down Cincinnati’s organized setup and now face questions about how to regain their attacking rhythm before their next clash.
The-loss-halted-a-five-match-winning-run-for-Inter-Miami-who-now-sit-fifth-in-the-Eastern-Conference-with-record
Miami’s recent form had seen them rocket up the table, with Messi orchestrating most of the attacking build-up and consistently delivering when it mattered most. But on this occasion, the team appeared flat, perhaps fatigued from the grueling schedule and heavy reliance on their captain.
Of particular concern was Miami’s sluggish start. The team failed to register a shot on target in the first half and looked vulnerable in transition. Though Messi tried to drop deeper in the second half to initiate plays, Cincinnati’s midfield—led by Obinna Nwobodo—closed down passing lanes and denied him space to operate.
Signs of Fatigue for Messi?
This match also raised questions about fatigue setting in for Messi. The veteran forward has played 90 or more minutes in eight consecutive matches, including four grueling games in the Club World Cup. On Wednesday, tracking data revealed that Messi covered the least amount of distance among all players on the field—a potential sign that the toll of carrying Inter Miami is beginning to mount.
While there’s no denying Messi’s class or commitment, the demands of MLS, combined with international travel and high expectations, could necessitate better squad rotation or targeted rest periods as the season wears on.
At 38, managing his minutes might be the key to preserving his effectiveness deep into the campaign and playoffs.
What’s Next?
Cincinnati will aim to build on this momentum when they visit Real Salt Lake on Saturday night. Despite missing their second-leading scorer Kevin Denkey due to a leg injury, they looked sharp and focused—qualities that will be essential as they battle Philadelphia for Eastern supremacy.
Inter Miami, meanwhile, will look to bounce back against the New York Red Bulls on the same night. That match could serve as an opportunity for redemption, both for Messi and for the team as a whole. A response will be necessary to ensure that this blip doesn’t turn into a slump.
Inter-Miami-meanwhile-will-look-to-bounce-back-against-the-New-York-Red-Bulls-on-the-same-night
Final Whistle Thoughts
Messi’s historic streak may have ended, but its significance will resonate for years to come. It was yet another chapter in an already legendary career, one that is now being written across North America. His influence on the league remains monumental, drawing eyes, fans, and attention in ways no other player has.
But on this night in Cincinnati, the headlines belonged to Evander, Valenzuela, and a team that executed its game plan to near perfection. They did what no other side had done in over a month—shut down Messi, shut out Inter Miami, and remind the league that in MLS, there are no guarantees.
Click here to watch more!
Comments