With the 2026 World Cup less than a month away, Lionel Messi is sending a clear message: his competitive fire hasn't dimmed. On a humid night at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, the Argentine captain orchestrated a wild 5-3 comeback for Inter Miami, scoring twice and adding an assist to keep his team firmly in the hunt for the MLS Cup.
Messi opened the scoring in the 24th minute, pouncing on a defensive error from FC Cincinnati to slot home. He completed his brace in the 55th minute with a crisp first-time finish off a pass from Rodrigo De Paul, his Argentine teammate and fellow World Cup champion. But the night wasn't just about his goals: Messi also set up Mateo Silvetti for the equalizer and forced an own goal in the dying minutes that sealed the victory.
A Performance That Speaks Volumes
The numbers are staggering. With 11 goals and 5 assists this season, Messi leads Major League Soccer in goal contributions, sitting just one goal behind the Golden Boot leader. For a player who turns 39 during the World Cup, his form is nothing short of remarkable. Interim coach Guillermo Hoyos put it simply after the match: "What they did today was brilliant." Hoyos praised the team's resilience in an eight-goal thriller, noting that Messi's influence goes beyond his technical brilliance. "He raises the level of everyone around him," Hoyos said.
Inter Miami's comeback was their seventh away win of the campaign, a testament to the championship mentality Hoyos has instilled since taking over. The Herons now sit second in the Eastern Conference, just two points behind Nashville SC, with two matches left before the World Cup break. Their next test: a home game against the Portland Timbers, where the intensity is sure to remain high.
For Argentine fans, Messi's form is the best possible sign. The Albiceleste will arrive in North America for the World Cup with their captain at an enviable peak, both physically and mentally. In a recent interview, Messi named France, Spain, and Brazil as favorites for the tournament, while cautioning that Argentina cannot afford to be complacent. His cautious optimism reflects the mindset of a player who has seen it all.
Off the pitch, Messi's star power continues to reshape the league. His presence has elevated Inter Miami's profile globally, and the club's value has soared alongside salary rankings that now feature De Paul among the top earners. Meanwhile, Messi's partnership with Bad Bunny for Adidas' World Cup campaign has brought a distinctly Latino flavor to the tournament's buildup. The campaign blends football, music, and identity in a way that resonates across the Americas.
As the World Cup approaches, Messi's masterclass in Cincinnati serves as a reminder: the greatest player of his generation is not done yet. For Inter Miami, the dream of a back-to-back MLS Cup is alive. For Argentina, the hope of another deep tournament run rests on the shoulders of a man who keeps defying expectations.
