FC Cincinnati vs Inter Miami CF wasn’t just a regular MLS showdown—it was the night Cincinnati tamed the lion. On July 16, 2025, at TQL Stadium, Messi’s ridiculous five-game multi-goal streak came to a screeching halt as Cincinnati dismantled Miami 3-0 in front of a buzzing home crowd.
No, this isn’t a simulation. This is MLS drama at its finest.
💥 First-Half Frenzy: Valenzuela Draws First Blood
From the opening whistle, FC Cincinnati brought the heat. Within 16 minutes, 20-year-old midfielder Gerardo Valenzuela found the net with a delicious low-angle strike—his fifth of the season. Miami? They didn’t register a shot on target until literally the last second of the half.
By then, Cincinnati had four.
Miami coach Javier Mascherano admitted post-match, “We were outplayed from start to finish.” A rare statement—but one that summed it up perfectly.
⚽ Second-Half Surge: Evander’s Double Seals the Deal
Just five minutes into the second half, Evander decided it was time to flip the script. His goal in the 50th minute put Cincinnati up 2-0, and when he rifled home a rebound in the 70th, it was game, set, match.
That second goal? His 14th of the season, 50th overall in MLS, and perhaps the most satisfying—against the league’s glam squad led by Messi himself.
🐐 Messi’s Streak Ends, But Not Without a Fight
Let’s talk Messi. The Argentine icon entered the match on a five-game brace streak, something even Barcelona-era Messi hadn’t achieved since 2012. But FC Cincinnati had other ideas.
Messi’s first real shot came in first-half stoppage time—easily handled by Roman Celentano, Cincinnati’s ice-cold keeper. In the 78th minute, he had a golden chance, but Celentano’s diving save preserved the clean sheet.
It wasn’t just tactics—it was physical dominance, something Mascherano conceded: “We weren’t fresh or lucid… They beat us very well.”
🎰 188BET Betting Recap – Odds & Outcomes
Pre-match odds on 188BET had Inter Miami as slight favorites at 1.95, with Cincinnati at 3.10. But if you backed the underdog—congrats on cashing in big.
Top Markets:
- Correct Score 3-0: Paid at 21.00
- Messi to NOT score: Opened at 3.50
- Evander to score 2+: A juicy 6.00 payout
Check live MLS odds now at 188BET →
📊 Standings Update: Cincinnati Creeps Closer
With this win, FC Cincinnati (14-3-6) stays one point behind Philadelphia in the Eastern Conference, while Inter Miami (11-4-5) drops to fifth. Miami holds three games in hand, but the pressure to win all three is now sky-high.
And just to spice things up? Rodrigo De Paul is joining Messi’s crew. Yes, that De Paul.
❓ FAQ – People Also Ask
FC Cincinnati won 3-0, ending Lionel Messi’s five-game multi-goal streak.
No. For the first time in six games, Messi was held scoreless, with just one shot on target.
Gerardo Valenzuela scored in the 16th minute, and Evander added two more in the 50th and 70th minutes.
Cincinnati limited Miami to two shots on target, maintained high pressing, and Celentano made key saves to deny Messi.
Cincinnati remains second in the East, one point behind Philadelphia. Inter Miami is fifth, with games in hand but trailing.
After the match, Cincinnati’s odds to win the MLS Cup shortened to 6.50, while Miami drifted to 7.00 following the loss.
Conclusion: Cincinnati Slays Giants—But Is This Sustainable?
The FC Cincinnati vs Inter Miami CF result wasn’t just a wake-up call—it was a statement. The Orange and Blue executed a tactical masterclass, neutralizing one of the best to ever play the game. Inter Miami will regroup—Messi doesn’t stay quiet for long—but this night belonged to Cincinnati.
Your move, Leo.
👇 What did you think of Cincinnati’s dominant performance? Let us know in the comments or follow all MLS action via 188BET for real-time odds and insights!
