Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami Survive FC Cincinnati Scare in 2-2 MLS 2026 Thriller
Lionel Messi's Inter Miami CF salvaged a dramatic 2-2 draw against FC Cincinnati in a thrilling MLS 2026 regular season match at Nu Stadium on October 28, 2026. Luis Suárez and Riquelme Fillipi scored for Miami, with Fillipi netting a crucial debut goal in the 90th minute.
Inter Miami CF averted a late defeat, battling back from a one-goal deficit to secure a thrilling 2-2 draw against FC Cincinnati in a captivating Major League Soccer regular season clash at their home ground, Nu Stadium, on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. The match saw a dramatic conclusion as three goals were rattled in during the final ten minutes, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. Cristiano Ronaldo's 2008 Season Crowned 'Ballon d'Or of All Time' Over Lionel Messi’s 2012.
Inter Miami Manage To Draw Against FC Cincinnati
Dramatic Second Half Unfolds
The game burst into life in the second half after a defensively robust opening period. Uruguayan veteran Luis Suárez broke the deadlock for Inter Miami in the 61st minute, expertly converting a pass from Casemiro to give the home side a 1-0 lead. However, FC Cincinnati responded with resilience, finding an equalizer through Kenji Mboma Dem in the 80th minute, assisted by Evander. The visitors then seized a temporary advantage in the 86th minute when Samuel Gidi, assisted by Tom Barlow, scored his first-ever MLS goal, putting Cincinnati ahead 2-1.
The pendulum swung back in Inter Miami's favor in the 90th minute when substitute Riquelme Fillipi, who entered the match just three minutes earlier, netted his debut goal for the club. Rodrigo De Paul provided the crucial assist, allowing Fillipi to slot the ball home and level the score at 2-2, ensuring a share of the points. Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi, at 39 years old, played the full match and received a yellow card in the 44th minute.
Playoff Implications
The draw leaves Inter Miami CF in third place in the Eastern Conference with 56 points (15 wins, 6 losses, 11 draws), trailing the New England Revolution by two points for the second spot with two matches remaining in their regular season campaign. FC Cincinnati, with 43 points (11 wins, 11 losses, 10 draws), currently sits in eighth place in the Eastern Conference, level on points with Orlando City SC. This point brings them closer to clinching a spot in the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs, with two games left to play. Why Did Lionel Messi Miss Ballon d'Or 2026 Ceremony in London? Here's What We Know.
FC Cincinnati also set a new club record for goals scored in a single MLS season, reaching 66 goals after Wednesday's outing, surpassing their previous high of 64 set in 2022.
This high-octane draw underscores the competitive nature of MLS 2026 as teams vie for crucial points in the closing stages of the regular season. Both Inter Miami and FC Cincinnati will now turn their attention to their next fixtures as they aim to solidify their playoff ambitions.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 29, 2026 10:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).