Lionel Messi’s Multi-Goal Streak Halted as Cincinnati Defeat Inter Miami 3–0

Lionel Messi’s record-breaking run of multi-goal matches in Major League Soccer came to an end on Wednesday evening, as his Inter Miami side suffered a 3–0 defeat away to FC Cincinnati.

The 38-year-old Argentine star had scored twice in each of his last five league outings, amassing 16 goals this season while helping Inter to four victories and a draw during that run. It was the first time Messi had managed such a streak since his Barcelona days in 2012.

However, Cincinnati limited Miami to just two shots on target throughout the match.

“Clearly today we were outplayed from the beginning,” admitted Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano, speaking via a translator.

“It was very difficult for us to win individual duels. Perhaps one of the reasons is the physical fatigue — we’ve had a packed schedule and eventually paid the price for it.

“Leo picked up a knock at the end, but thankfully it’s not serious.”

Cincinnati opened the scoring through 20-year-old American midfielder Gerardo Valenzuela in the 16th minute, before Brazilian forward Evander doubled the lead shortly after the break and struck again in the 70th minute to seal the win.

“We didn’t play the way we wanted,” Mascherano added. “They pressed us constantly; we lacked freshness and clarity. They were clearly the better side.”

Following the result, Inter Miami now sit fifth in the Eastern Conference with 38 points from 20 matches — 11 wins, four defeats, and five draws. They remain eight points behind league leaders Philadelphia, who retained top spot with a win over Montreal and remain one point clear of Cincinnati in the overall MLS standings.

Miami still have three matches in hand over both rivals and would need to win all of them to potentially claim the top spot.

“Our opponents outclassed us from start to finish,” said Mascherano. “The result — and the manner in which we lost — is worrying. We must rest now and focus on our next match.”

Inter Miami next travel to face New York Red Bulls on Saturday. The Red Bulls, buoyed by two goals each from Cameroon’s Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Sweden’s Emil Forsberg, secured a 5–3 win over New England on Wednesday.

Rodrigo De Paul Set to Join Inter Miami
Meanwhile, a source close to the negotiations confirmed to AFP on Wednesday that Inter Miami have agreed terms with Argentine international Rodrigo De Paul, who currently plays for Atlético Madrid.

The 30-year-old midfielder will join the MLS side on an initial loan deal for the remainder of the 2025 season, with a view to a permanent transfer worth over $12 million. The contract reportedly covers four seasons in total.

De Paul is expected to make his debut for Inter Miami on 30 July against Mexican side Atlas in the Leagues Cup – a competition featuring clubs from both the MLS and Liga MX.

The move marks the end of De Paul’s four-year stint in Europe. He will now reunite with compatriot Lionel Messi, 11 months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Messi has yet to confirm whether he will participate in the tournament.

De Paul and Messi were key members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad. Their reunion could play a role in convincing Messi to extend his stay in Miami, with his current contract set to expire at the end of this year. The club is keen for him to remain through the 2026 season, which will see the grand opening of their new stadium in Miami.

De Paul joins a high-profile squad that already features Messi, Uruguay’s Luis Suárez, and Spaniards Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.

Elsewhere, MLS announced on Wednesday that Charlotte will host the 2026 MLS All-Star Game. This year’s edition will take place in Austin, Texas next Wednesday, where the MLS All-Stars will face off against their Mexican League counterparts.