Lionel Messi orchestrated a thrilling comeback as Inter Miami defeated FC Cincinnati 5-3 in a pulsating MLS clash, yet the Argentine forward was robbed of a milestone achievement by an officiating decision. Messi appeared to complete his 61st career hat-trick with an 89th-minute strike, only for Major League Soccer to rule the goal an own goal by Cincinnati's Roman Celentano, denying him the honour entirely.
The match unfolded as an eight-goal spectacle on Wednesday night, with Miami recovering from a 2-1 deficit to secure a vital three points. Messi opened the scoring early, then set up Mateo Silvetti before seemingly sealing victory in the dying moments. His moment of glory was short-lived. MLS officials determined that after the ball rebounded off the post, Celentano's accidental contact pushed it over the line rather than Messi's initial attempt reaching the target. This technical interpretation meant the goal went into the own goal column.
Hat-Trick Record Frozen at 60
The decision leaves Messi's official hat-trick count static at 60, maintaining a significant gap behind Cristiano Ronaldo's 66 all-time hat-tricks. Despite this administrative blow, Messi's overall output remains extraordinary: his 2026 MLS campaign now features 11 goals and four assists across just 12 appearances. Across his entire career, the 37-year-old has amassed 909 goals and 411 assists in 1,153 competitive matches—statistics that underscore his historical dominance.
The victory propelled Miami to second place in the Eastern Conference with 25 points from 13 fixtures, narrowing the gap on leaders Nashville. The Herons have demonstrated impressive resilience and attacking verve, yet they must sustain this scoring intensity to dethrone a Nashville side that maintains a narrow two-point advantage with a game in hand. With the mid-season international break approaching, Messi will rejoin Argentina's national team for their summer schedule as the defending World Cup champions prepare for upcoming fixtures.
While the hat-trick controversy will linger, Miami's comeback performance reinforced their credentials as genuine Eastern Conference contenders, and Messi's individual brilliance—regardless of official goal tallies—continues to elevate the league.
