Match Report: FC Cincinnati 3-5 Inter Miami CF | Seven-Goal Thriller at TQL Stadium

FC Cincinnati and Inter Miami CF served up a classic MLS encounter on May 14, 2026, with the visitors emerging 5-3 winners in a high-scoring affair at TQL Stadium. The match was a showcase of attacking firepower, defensive lapses, and a relentless Miami side that proved too strong for a valiant Cincinnati outfit.

Match Overview

Inter Miami opened the scoring through their talisman Lionel Messi, but Cincinnati twice equalized before halftime. The second half turned chaotic as Miami scored three times in a 15-minute spell to race into a 5-2 lead. The home side pulled one back late, but it was too little, too late as Miami secured a crucial away victory.

First Half Fireworks

Messi opened the account in the 12th minute with a trademark curling effort from outside the box. Cincinnati responded through a powerful header from Brandon Vazquez. Miami restored their lead via a penalty from Josef Martínez, but Cincinnati again leveled through Luciano Acosta's clever finish. The teams went into the break level at 2-2, setting the stage for a thrilling second half.

Second Half Collapse and Rebound

Inter Miami came out firing in the second half. Four minutes after the restart, Messi set up Robert Taylor for a simple tap-in. Sergio Busquets then scored a rare goal from a corner, and a deflected shot from Benjamin Cremaschi made it 5-2. Cincinnati captain Luciano Acosta scored his second of the night in the 83rd minute, but Miami held firm to take all three points.

Key Performers

Lionel Messi was the architect of Miami's victory, scoring one and assisting two others. Josef Martínez also impressed with his hold-up play and a goal from the spot. For Cincinnati, Luciano Acosta's brace was a highlight, but the defense struggled to contain Miami's attacking quartet. The win moves Inter Miami into 2nd place in the Eastern Conference, while Cincinnati drops to 10th.

What It Means

Inter Miami's victory sees them close the gap on conference leaders New England Revolution, while FC Cincinnati's playoff hopes take a hit. The 3-5 scoreline marks the highest-scoring match of the MLS season so far. Both teams will look to tighten up defensively going forward, but fans were treated to an unforgettable night of end-to-end football.

Attendance: 25,513 at TQL Stadium