Lionel Messi produced a historic performance at TQL Stadium, scoring a hat-trick and providing an assist to lead Inter Miami CF to an impressive 5-3 victory over FC Cincinnati. This masterclass earned him a perfect Sofascore Rating.
The 38-year-old dominated the field, earning a perfect 10 Sofa score. His contributions included an opener in the 24th minute, a crucial equalizer in the 55th and a clinical hat-trick sealer in the 89th.
One direct assist in the 79th minute and a key role in the build-up to Miami’s fourth goal. Six total shots and a constant threat that kept Cincinnati’s defense under fire. The match changed dramatically in the 77th minute when Mateo Silvetti replaced Luis Suarez.
Cincinnati held the lead after halftime. Similarly, Pavel Bucha hit a goal in the 49th minute for 2-1; Then Evander made it 3-1 in the 64th minute, assisted by Kevin Denkey.
Denkey had earlier converted a 41st minute penalty to end the match with one goal. Miami’s control was anchored by Rodrego De Paul, who dictated play with 75 passes and four key passes. Defensively, Yannick Bright provided the bite in midfield, winning eight tackles to stifle Cincinnati’s transitions.
Despite the defeat, FC Cincinnati showed flashes of brilliance, taking the lead twice through Pavel Bucha and Evander. Kevin Denkey was the star for the hosts, with a goal and an assist.
Cincinnati made three mistakes that led directly to Miami goals. The hosts conceded 42 touches in their own penalty area and were defeated 32 to 13.
Inter Miami’s pressure was visible across the board: 4 big chances 2, 8 corners against 1, 32 tackles against 13 and a double win rate of 59%.
The visitors had six shots on target and generated ten shots in the penalty area, scoring when it mattered most in the final stretch.
Messi appeared to have a hat-trick in the 89th minute when his shot went off the post, but the ruling was corrected to an own goal shortly after the match. It would have been Messi’s 61st hat-trick in all competitions.
