Lionel Messi put in a historic performance at TQL Stadium, scoring a hat-trick and providing an assist to give Inter Miami CF an impressive 5-3 win over FC Cincinnati. This masterclass earned him a perfect SofaScore rating.
The 38-year-old dominated the pitch and earned a perfect 10 Sofascore rating. His contributions included an opener in the 24th minute, a vital equalizer in the 55th minute and a clinical hat-trick sealer in the 89th minute.
A direct assist in the 79th minute and a key role in the creation of Miami’s fourth goal. A total of six shots and a constant threat that kept Cincinnati’s defense under siege. The match changed dramatically in the 77th minute when Matteo Silvetti replaced Luis Suárez.
Cincinnati maintained the lead after intermission. Similarly, Pavel Bucha scored in the 49th minute to make the score 2–1; After this, Evander made the score 3-1 in the 64th minute with the help of Kevin Denki.
Earlier, Denki converted a penalty in the 41st minute and ended the match with a goal. Miami was controlled by Rodrego De Paul, who led the game with 75 passes and four key passes. Defensively, Yannick Bright provided “bite” in the midfield, winning eight tackles to prevent Cincinnati’s transition.
Despite the loss, FC Cincinnati came back with a dominant performance, taking the lead twice through Pavel Bucha and Evander. Kevin Denky led the way for the hosts, registering a goal and an assist.
Cincinnati made three mistakes that led directly to a Miami goal. The hosts took 42 touches in their own box and fell behind by 32 against 13.
Inter Miami’s pressure showed on the board: 4 big chances 2, 8 from corners to 1, 13 from 32 tackles and a 59% double win rate.
The visitors had six shots on target and 10 inside the box, delivering the ball in the closing stages when it mattered most.
In the 89th minute, it looked like Messi had a hat-trick when his shot went wide of the post, but the decision was corrected to an own goal soon after the match. This would have been Messi’s 61st hat-trick in all competitions.
