Messi’s Scoring Streak Ends as Inter Miami Fall to Cincinnati; De Paul Set to Join

Lionel Messi’s remarkable run of multi-goal performances came to a halt on Wednesday night as Inter Miami were handed a 3-0 defeat by FC Cincinnati in Major League Soccer.

The 38-year-old Argentine star had scored two goals in each of his last five appearances, racking up 16 goals during that stretch and helping Miami claim four wins and a draw. It was his best streak of consecutive braces since 2012, when he was still with Barcelona.

But against Cincinnati, Messi and his teammates struggled to find their rhythm, managing only two shots on target throughout the game.

“From the first minute, we were second best,” Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano admitted post-match. “We lost too many individual battles, maybe because of fatigue after a very demanding run of matches. Leo also took a knock late in the game, but fortunately it wasn’t serious.”

Cincinnati seized control early, with 20-year-old American midfielder Gerardo Valenzuela opening the scoring in the 16th minute. Brazilian forward Evander added a second five minutes after the break and completed his brace in the 70th minute to seal a dominant win for the hosts.

“We didn’t play the game we had prepared for,” Mascherano continued. “They pressed us constantly. We lacked sharpness and energy, and they deserved the win. It’s a worrying performance, but we’ll recover and focus on the next match.”

The defeat leaves Inter Miami with an 11-4-5 record and 38 points, currently fifth in the Eastern Conference. They sit eight points behind league leaders Philadelphia Union, who lead Cincinnati by one point after a victory over Montreal. However, Miami have three games in hand and could close the gap if they win those fixtures.

Next up for Messi and his teammates is a trip to the New York Red Bulls on Saturday. The Red Bulls are coming off a thrilling 5-3 win over New England Revolution, with Eric Choupo-Moting and Emil Forsberg each scoring twice.

De Paul Set to Join Messi in Miami

In transfer news, Inter Miami have reached an agreement with Atletico Madrid to sign Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, a source close to the deal told AFP.

The 31-year-old, who was part of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad alongside Messi, is expected to join on loan for the remainder of the 2025 season, with Miami holding a purchase option worth over $12 million.

De Paul’s arrival could offer a boost to Miami’s midfield and potentially influence Messi’s future with the club. The superstar’s current contract expires at the end of the year, but the team hopes to extend his stay through the 2026 season, when Inter are scheduled to open a new stadium in Miami.

De Paul would be eligible to make his debut on July 30 in Miami’s Leagues Cup opener against Mexican side Atlas. His move also reunites him with fellow national teammates Messi and brings him into a squad already featuring Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets.

In a related announcement, Charlotte was named host of the 2026 MLS All-Star Game. This year’s edition will take place next Wednesday in Austin, Texas, where MLS All-Stars will face a select side from Mexico’s Liga MX.