FC Cincinnati shuts out Inter Miami's Lionel Messi, snaps historic scoring streak

Lionel Messi’s record-setting run in Major League Soccer came to a halt on Wednesday, July 16, as Inter Miami fell 3-0 to FC Cincinnati. The Argentine superstar, who had scored multiple goals in five consecutive MLS matches, a league record was held scoreless for the first time in nearly two months.

The clean sheet marks the first time an MLS team has prevented Messi from scoring since he began his historic tear through the league earlier this season. The previous record for consecutive multi-goal games in MLS stood at just three, making Messi’s five-game streak a benchmark that may stand for years.

Lionel Messi silenced in Cincinnati

FC Cincinnati’s high-pressure tactics paid off early, as the team focused on keeping the ball out of Messi’s reach. The 2022 World Cup winner was limited to five shots, with only two on target. His best chance came in stoppage time with a long-range effort from 20 yards, but Cincinnati’s keeper made the stop to preserve the shutout.

Midfielder Evander starred for Cincinnati, scoring twice in the victory and pushing Inter Miami down to fifth place in the Eastern Conference. With a record of 11-4-5 and 38 points, Miami now faces increased pressure in the playoff race.

Lionel Messi’s fatigue begins to show

Wednesday’s match was Messi’s fourth MLS appearance in less than two weeks and his eighth in just 33 days. The demanding schedule has raised concerns about his workload. Messi also recently appeared in the FIFA Club World Cup, where he managed only one goal in four matches.

Following a 2-1 win over Nashville on July 12, Miami head coach Javier Mascherano acknowledged the toll the schedule is taking on the 37-year-old forward.