Lionel Messi’s remarkable streak of scoring two or more goals in five consecutive Major League Soccer (MLS) matches came to an abrupt end on Wednesday, August 23, 2025, as Inter Miami suffered a decisive 3-0 defeat at the hands of FC Cincinnati. The Argentine superstar, who had amassed an impressive 16 goals during his record-breaking run, contributing to four wins and a draw for Inter Miami, was effectively neutralized by a resolute Cincinnati defense that limited Miami to a mere two shots on goal. This marked the first time since 2012, during his tenure with Barcelona, that Messi’s streak of consecutive multi-goal games had reached such a length. Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano acknowledged Cincinnati’s dominance, admitting that his team was outplayed from the outset and struggled to win individual battles. He also attributed some of the performance to the team’s demanding schedule, suggesting that physical fatigue may have played a role.
FC Cincinnati’s victory was orchestrated by a trio of goals, showcasing their attacking prowess. Twenty-year-old American midfielder Gerardo Valenzuela opened the scoring in the 16th minute, setting the stage for Brazilian striker Evander’s brace in the second half. Evander found the back of the net in the 50th and 70th minutes, effectively sealing the win for the home side. Mascherano reiterated his disappointment in the post-match comments, emphasizing that Cincinnati’s relentless pressure and Miami’s lack of freshness and lucidity contributed to their comprehensive defeat. He expressed concern about both the result and the manner of the loss and stressed the need for rest and reflection before their next match.
The loss dropped Inter Miami to a 11-4-5 record, placing them fifth in the Eastern Conference with 38 points. They now trail the overall MLS leaders, Philadelphia, by eight points. Philadelphia maintained their one-point advantage over Cincinnati in the overall standings after securing a victory against Montreal. While Inter Miami has three games in hand on both Philadelphia and Cincinnati, they would need to win all three to reclaim the top spot in the league. Looking ahead, Inter Miami is set to face the New York Red Bulls in an away game on Saturday. The Red Bulls enter the match on the heels of a 5-3 home win against New England, fueled by two goals each from Cameroonian forward Eric Choupo-Moting and Swedish midfielder Emil Forsberg.
On a brighter note for Inter Miami fans, the club has reportedly agreed on terms with Argentine international midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, currently playing for Atletico Madrid. According to a source close to the negotiations, De Paul is set to join Miami initially on loan for the remainder of the 2025 season, with a purchase option exceeding $12 million for the subsequent four seasons. This acquisition would reunite De Paul with his compatriot Lionel Messi, with whom he shared victory at the 2022 World Cup. The move could potentially influence Messi’s decision regarding his future with Inter Miami, as his current contract expires at the end of the year.
De Paul’s anticipated arrival in Miami is scheduled for July 30th, potentially marking his debut against Mexican side Atlas in Inter Miami’s first Leagues Cup match – a tournament featuring teams from both MLS and the Mexican League. De Paul’s transition to MLS would mark the end of a four-year spell in Madrid and comes just 11 months before the 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. While Messi’s participation in the tournament remains uncertain, the reunion with De Paul could be a significant factor in persuading him to extend his stay with Inter Miami. The club is eager to retain Messi for the 2026 season, particularly as they prepare to open a new stadium in Miami. De Paul, 31, would join an already impressive Inter Miami roster featuring Messi, Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez, and Spanish veterans Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.
In other MLS news, Charlotte has been selected as the host city for the 2026 MLS All-Star Game. This year’s All-Star festivities will take place in Austin, Texas, next Wednesday, and will feature a showdown between the MLS All-Stars and their counterparts from the Mexican League. This announcement adds another layer of anticipation to the evolving landscape of Major League Soccer, as the league continues to grow in popularity and global recognition. The addition of international stars like Messi and the prospect of future stars like De Paul further elevates the league’s profile and promises exciting developments in the seasons to come.
Inter Miami’s unexpected loss to FC Cincinnati serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of MLS, where even the most star-studded teams can face setbacks. The defeat underscores the importance of squad depth, tactical adaptability, and maintaining peak physical condition throughout a demanding season. While Messi’s individual brilliance has undoubtedly transformed Inter Miami’s fortunes, the team’s overall success hinges on collective performance and the ability to navigate the challenges of a rigorous schedule. The upcoming matches will be crucial for Inter Miami as they aim to regain momentum and secure a strong position in the Eastern Conference standings. The addition of De Paul could provide a much-needed boost to the midfield and potentially reignite the team’s attacking dynamism.
The focus now shifts to Inter Miami’s next challenge against the New York Red Bulls. Mascherano and his coaching staff will be analyzing the Cincinnati defeat, identifying areas for improvement, and devising a strategy to counter the Red Bulls’ attacking threat. The Red Bulls’ recent victory, characterized by a high-scoring affair, suggests that Inter Miami’s defense will need to be at their best to contain their opponents. The midfield battle will also be crucial, with De Paul’s potential arrival adding another dimension to Inter Miami’s options. The match against the Red Bulls will be a test of Inter Miami’s resilience and their ability to bounce back from a setback. A positive result would not only boost their confidence but also help them maintain pace with the leading teams in the Eastern Conference.
The acquisition of Rodrigo De Paul represents a significant investment for Inter Miami and underscores their ambition to build a championship-caliber team. De Paul’s experience and skillset will complement the existing talent within the squad and provide additional creativity and dynamism in the midfield. His presence will also alleviate some of the pressure on Messi and allow for a more balanced distribution of attacking responsibilities. The reunion of Messi and De Paul, teammates from Argentina’s World Cup triumph, adds a compelling narrative to Inter Miami’s season. The prospect of these two world-class players combining their talents on the MLS stage is sure to generate further excitement and attract a global audience.
The decision to award the 2026 MLS All-Star Game to Charlotte reflects the league’s continued expansion and its efforts to broaden its reach across North America. The All-Star Game provides a platform to showcase the league’s best players and celebrate the growth of soccer in the United States and Canada. This year’s All-Star match against the Mexican League All-Stars will be a highlight of the MLS calendar and a testament to the growing collaboration between the two leagues. The event promises to be a spectacle of skill and athleticism, further solidifying soccer’s prominence in the region’s sporting landscape.
In conclusion, despite the setback against FC Cincinnati, Inter Miami remains a team with immense potential. The arrival of Rodrigo De Paul adds another layer of quality to the squad, and the prospect of Messi extending his stay beyond the current season provides a glimmer of hope for sustained success. The team’s performance in the upcoming matches will be critical in determining their trajectory for the remainder of the season. The challenges ahead are significant, but with a blend of individual brilliance and collective determination, Inter Miami has the ingredients to achieve its ambitions.
