The Inter Miami boss praised Messi’s « simply brilliant » brace

Inter Miami interim boss Guillermo Hoyos showered praise Lionel Messi after he scored twice to help the defending MLS Cup champions come from behind to beat Cincinnati 5-3.

Messi opened the scoring for Miami in the 24th minute when Matt Miazga’s attempted clearance deflected off the Argentina superstar and into the net. However, Kevin Denky equalized from the penalty spot before Pavel Bucha’s far post shot gave the home side the lead.

A right-wing cross from Rodrigo De Paul allowed Messi to make it 2-2 in the 55th minute with a first try, only for Evander to put Cincinnati back in front with a superb individual goal.

But Messi leveled Matteo Silvetti to make it 3-3 and Germany’s Berterame put Miami ahead six minutes before the end of normal time, diving in after Andrej Cirilla had collided with goalkeeper Roman Celentano.

Messi looked set to complete his hat-trick five minutes later, but the goal that made the points safe was ruled an own goal after his shot hit the post and deflected off Celentano.

It’s Miami two points behind MLS Eastern Conference leaders Nashville SC having played a game more, with Messi taking his tally for the season to 12 goals.

« Talking about Leo it’s really amazing, firstly because of the person he is and secondly because of the player you see on the pitch, » Hoyos said afterwards.

« He (Messi) Rodrigo (De Paul) and (Luis) Suarez are players who really elevate MLS. What they achieved today was brilliant, just brilliant.

« To perform like that on a difficult pitch, against a very difficult opponent, says a lot.