The Digest:
Lionel Messi, 38, scored his third MLS hat-trick with goals in the 24th, 55th, and 89th minutes, plus an assist, as Inter Miami rallied past FC Cincinnati 5-3 at TQL Stadium. Silvetti and Berterame added goals in the frantic finish. The victory vaults Miami to second place in the Eastern Conference with 25 points from 13 games. The hat-trick is Messi's third since joining MLS in 2023, part of eight goals and five assists in his last three matches.
Key Points:
- Messi's late-season form is fueling World Cup warmup talk ahead of 2026.
- Three hat-tricks in MLS prove the 38-year-old remains among the world's elite.
- Miami climbing to second shows Messi's impact goes beyond individual glory.
- Eight goals and five assists in three matches is an extraordinary return at any age.
- The comeback victory highlights Miami's resilience and title credentials.
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