Date: July 16, 2025
Location: TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
In a stunning upset at TQL Stadium, FC Cincinnati demolished Inter Miami with a commanding 3–0 victory in Week 25 of the MLS season. The win snapped Inter Miami’s six‑match unbeaten streak—and ended Lionel Messi’s historic run of consecutive multi-goal games. (Diario AS)
Match Highlights
First Half:
- 16′ – Gerardo Valenzuela opened the scoring with a superb left-footed strike following a slick assist from Luca Orellano, giving Cincinnati the lead. (Diario AS)
- Inter Miami’s goalkeeper Óscar Ustari injured at 26′ and replaced by Rocco Ríos Novo. (Diario AS)
- Despite Messi testing shots late in the half, Cincinnati’s defence held firm, denying real danger. (ESPN.com)
Second Half:
- 50′ & 70′ – Brazilian DP Evander sealed the result with a brace, becoming Cincinnati’s first player to score in five straight matches—closing the game emphatically.
Cincinnati vs Inter Miami 3‑0 Extended Highlights & Goals 2025
Key Stats & Standings
- Score: 3–0 for Cincinnati
- Shots: Cincinnati 11 (6 on goal) ▪️ Inter Miami 10 (2 on goal) (VAVEL.com – Live Sports, FC Cincinnati)
- Possession: roughly 53%–47% in favor of Miami (FOX Sports)
- Clean sheet: Goalkeeper Roman Celentano recorded his 7th MLS clean sheet. (ESPN.com)
Eastern Conference Standings:
| Team | Pts |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia Union | 43 |
| FC Cincinnati | 42 |
| Nashville SC | 41 |
| Columbus Crew | 41 |
| Inter Miami | 38 |
Match Impact
- Evander is now third in the MLS scoring charts with 15 goals—just behind Messi and Sam Surridge (16). (Diario AS)
- Messi’s streak: First-ever multi-goal streak of 5 straight games, now ended. (The Telegraph)
- Miami’s momentum: Their season-high unbeaten run (11‑4‑5) came to a halt; their finish depends now more on December’s playoffs. (The Telegraph)
Quotes
Coach Pat Noonan (Cincy):
“We communicated the right things… we played the better way with the lead.” (WLWT)
Mascherano (Miami)’s focus:
He emphasized that his future hinges on delivering titles this season, with focus now fully on salvage and immediate results. (Diario AS)
What to Watch Next
- FC Cincinnati travels next to Real Salt Lake, riding high on confidence heading into Leagues Cup action starting July 29. (Wikipedia)
- Inter Miami must regroup quickly—rumors swirl around potential signing Rodrigo De Paul, a possible boost alongside Messi. (Goal)
A monumental night for FC Cincinnati—Evander’s heroics and airtight defense dismantled the East’s momentum leaders. For Inter Miami, it’s a wake‑up call: superstar magic wasn’t enough, and now the spotlight turns to Mascherano’s strategic decisions and roster reinforcements.
