Lionel Messi has scored three goals in a single MLS match for the third time since joining Inter Miami, helping the team to a 5-3 victory over FC Cincinnati on May 13.
Messi was on the mark in the 24th minute, the 55th minute and the 89th minute, with just one coming off his famous left foot.
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The hat trick broke a habit for Messi, who had scored his other two MLS hat tricks on Decision Day, the final day of the MLS regular season. He logged those on the last day of the 2024 and 2025 regular seasons.
Messi’s third goal may be reviewed and credited as an own goal. The Argentine slid to get a touch on a pass toward the penalty spot from Mateo Silvetti and put his shot off the post. It appeared to ricochet off FC Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano.
How many goals does Lionel Messi have this MLS season?
For now, however, it’s three goals for Messi that take his goal total this season to 12 goals in 13 MLS matches.
He opened the scoring with a deflection, sticking his leg out and directing in an attempted clearance from FC Cincinnati center back Matt Miazga.
The second goal was more typical of Messi’s usual scoring opportunities. The 38-year-old took possession of the ball near midfield and, after passing to a teammate, pushed into the final third. There, he worked with Luis Suarez in tight space near the top of the box, and the Uruguayan forward swung the ball wide to Rodrigo De Paul. Messi charged toward the penalty spot and finished with his left foot when the ball re-entered the box.
The hat trick helped Inter Miami push its road record to 7-1-1, but the Herons now return to South Florida for a Sunday night contest against the Portland Timbers. Miami is yet to win a match in its new home, Nu Stadium, which opened in April.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lionel Messi hat trick breaks his own trend in MLS
