Thu Jul 17 00:10:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**Messi’s Goal Streak Halted as Cincinnati Dominates Inter Miami 3-0**
**CINCINNATI, OH** – Lionel Messi’s unprecedented streak of scoring two goals per game ended at five on Wednesday night as Inter Miami suffered a decisive 3-0 defeat to FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium. The loss marks Miami’s first regular-season defeat since May 18th and halts their five-match winning streak.
While the focus has been on Messi’s arrival in MLS, Cincinnati’s All-Star midfielder Evander stole the show, scoring twice and setting a new club record by netting goals in his fifth consecutive match. Fans erupted with “MVP” chants for Evander as Cincinnati secured the victory.
“Yes, I think we were clearly outclassed today,” admitted Miami coach Javier Mascherano. He cited physical fatigue and individual struggles as contributing factors to the loss. “We struggled, we weren’t fresh, we couldn’t be sharp, and well, the truth is, they beat us very well.”
Gerardo Valenzuela opened the scoring for Cincinnati in the first half, followed by Evander’s two goals in the second. Cincinnati’s defense proved impenetrable, shutting down Messi and Miami’s offensive efforts, and limiting Messi to just two shot attempts, both of which were thwarted by Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano who earned his seventh clean sheet of the season.
The win propels Cincinnati to second place in the Eastern Conference, behind the Philadelphia Union. Miami, despite the loss, remains in fifth place but has three games in hand to close the eight-point gap to the top spot.
Mascherano also expressed concern over the team’s growing list of injuries, attributing them to a demanding summer schedule including the Club World Cup. Goalkeeper Oscar Ustari left the game early due to injury, the extent of which is still unknown.
“I’m obviously worried when the opponent outclasses us, and today the opponent was outclassed from start to finish,” Mascherano concluded.
First Piper 