Miami Survive Two-Goal Deficit in Eight-Goal Thriller

An eight-goal slugfest in Ohio saw Inter Miami overcome a two-goal deficit twice, emerging with a 5-3 victory over FC Cincinnati on Wednesday. The result reinforced a growing truth in MLS: engaging in a high-scoring exchange with Lionel Messi and his teammates is a losing proposition.

Miami's attack proved overwhelming despite defensive lapses that put them behind on two separate occasions. The Herons opened the scoring when a Matt Miazga clearance deflected off Messi and into the net. Cincinnati responded with goals from Kevin Denkey (penalty) and Pavel Bucha at the back post. Messi equalized in the 55th minute, but Evander restored Cincinnati's lead with a stunning strike. Messi then set up Mateo Silvetti to level the match, German Berterame scored the go-ahead goal following a Cincinnati error, and Roman Celentano's own goal in the 89th minute sealed the result.

This performance harkened back to the chaotic, free-scoring version of Inter Miami that relies on outscoring opponents rather than defensive solidity. While not always a sustainable approach, the team executed it effectively on Wednesday night.

Player Ratings from TQL Stadium

Goalkeeper & Defense

• Dayne St. Clair (5/10): Came close to saving Denkey's penalty but was let down by the defense on the goals conceded.
• Sergio Reguilon (6/10): Made only his second start of the season but was less effective than in prior cameos, contributing to Miami's defensive struggles.
• Gonzalo Lujan (4/10): Conceded the penalty by grabbing an attacker in the box, directly leading to Cincinnati's first goal.
• Ian Fray (5/10): Could have done better on the second goal and offered insufficient defensive output overall.

Midfield

• Yannick Bright (7/10): A vital defensive presence despite the scoreline not reflecting his impact.
• Telasco Segovia (6/10): Operated between Bright's defensive work and De Paul's attacking contributions.
• Rodrigo de Paul (7/10): Provided a great assist on Messi's second goal and created several other chances, but gave Evander too much space on Cincinnati's third.

Attack

• Lionel Messi (10/10): Scored two goals, assisted another, and dominated the game entirely.
• Luis Suarez (6/10): Received an unselfish cutback from Messi but saw his shot blocked off the bar.
• German Berterame (7/10): Had many touches in the box without clear chances until scoring the late winner, potentially a turning point for him.

Substitutes

• David Ruiz (6/10): Replaced the not-fully-fit Reguilon and performed adequately.
• Mateo Silvetti (8/10): Scored a fantastic equalizer and later added an assist in a perfect return from injury, changing the game's momentum.
• Guillermo Hoyos (7/10): Made the right call with Silvetti's introduction, though the match was a stressful watch from the sidelines.