Inter Miami interim boss Guillermo Hoyos heaped praise on Lionel Messi after he scored twice to help the defending MLS Cup champions come from behind to beat Cincinnati 5-3.
Messi opened the scoring for Miami in the 24th minute when Matt Miazga’s attempted clearance rebounded off the Argentina superstar and into the net. However, Kevin Denkey equalised from the penalty spot before Pavel Bucha’s far-post finish gave the hosts the lead.
A right-wing cross from Rodrigo De Paul allowed Messi to make it 2-2 in the 55th minute with a first-time effort, only for Evander to put Cincinnati back in front with a superb individual goal.
But Messi teed up Mateo Silvetti to make it 3-3, and German Berterame put Miami in front six minutes from the end of normal time, pouncing after Andrei Chirila collided with goalkeeper Roman Celentano.
Messi appeared to have his hat-trick five minutes later, but the goal that made the points safe was ruled as an own goal after his strike hit the post and deflected in off Celentano.
Miami are two points behind MLS Eastern Conference leaders Nashville SC having played a game more, with Messi having taken goalscoring tally for the season to 12 goals.
“Speaking about Leo is truly striking, first because of the person he is, and second because of the player you see on the pitch,” Hoyos said afterwards.
“Him [Messi] Rodrigo [De Paul] and [Luis] Suárez are players who truly elevate the MLS. What they accomplished today was brilliant, simply brilliant.
“To perform that way on a difficult pitch, against a very tough opponent, speaks volumes.
