Inter Miami may be changing, but Messi's brilliance is constant – ESPN

Lionel Messi does it all as Inter Miami see off FC Cincinnati 5-3 in a pulsating MLS encounter. (1:40)
Inter Miami CF last traveled to TQL Stadium on Nov. 23, 2025 for the Eastern Conference semifinal, triumphing 4-0 over FC Cincinnati before going on to lift their historic first MLS Cup.
Back then, Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul lingered on the field following the whistle to revel as TQL Stadium became the venue where Inter Miami clinched a spot to the Eastern Conference final for the first time since debuting in MLS.
On Wednesday night, six months later, Inter Miami players continued to celebrate in Cincinnati after winning 5-3 in a regular-season game after yet another superlative performance from Messi.
Despite the familiar feeling of triumph, however, the Herons looked almost unrecognizable on and off the field.
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The were nine changes to Miami’s starting line up since playing the Eastern Conference semifinal, with Messi and De Paul as the only two players to kick off both matches. On the sidelines, ever interim manager Guillermo Hoyos has replaced former head coach Javier Mascherano at the helm.
Mascherano previously developed a possession-based style of play for Inter Miami, originating from Sergio Busquets in midfield, through Messi, to allow for the likes of Tadeo Allende and Mateo Silvetti to attack from the wings. The Argentina captain, who played under Mascherano as a false nine, knew perfectly how to attract opposing defenders and leave space for his teammates to score.
The team’s identity was also previously rooted in composure, as Busquets slowed down the rhythm of the game when opponents pounced. But Busquets has since retired and Mascherano’s gameplan has become extinct under Hoyos.
The new interim manager has opted for intensity at all times instead.
“I think the thing he has emphasized most is intensity, specifically when moving the ball, as well as individual duels,” Inter Miami defender Maxi Falcon said when Hoyos replaced Mascherano. “I believe ‘intensity’ is the keyword regarding what he, both as a head coach and together with his staff, has conveyed to us.”
That demand for intensity led Inter Miami to 2.21 in expected goals and 17 total shots against Cincinnati. Inter Miami also won 69% of tackles on Wednesday night and made 16 interceptions.
De Paul, who Mascherano would task with maintaining the rhythm of the game in early 2026, has turned into a box-to-box midfielder under Hoyos. He recorded the most touches of the match for both teams with 97.
But Miami struggles when players cannot keep up with the physical strains of constant intensity.
Two of Cincinnati’s three goals on Wednesday night came from counterattacks. The first goal, a penalty, came as a result of a foul inside the box when Miami player Gonzalo Luján rushed back to defend a Cincinnati run.
The intensity requested by Hoyos often propels Inter Miami players forward, leaving crucial spaces for the opponent to exploit. Cincinnati’s second of the night did just that, as Bryan Ramirez appeared alone on the left wing before finding Pavel Bucha at the other end of the box.
Inter Miami has been scored against a total of 24 times so far this season, tying for fifth place in most goals allowed in the Eastern Conference table with only two clean sheets in 13 MLS matches.
But one constant remains throughout the change in tactic, formation and leadership: Messi’s starpower.
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Messi recorded one goal and three assists in November’s MLS Cup playoffs triumph, participating in every goal scored to win the game. On Wednesday night, he led Inter Miami’s goal count with two and almost recorded a hat-trick before MLS ultimately ruled the last effort as an own goal by goalkeeper Roman Celentano.
Messi alone recorded six shots, the most of any player, and led the match with four chances created.
The Inter Miami captain also assisted Silvetti in the team’s third goal, setting up the winger on the left after weaving through defenders on the edge of the box.
Messi currently trails in second place for most goals in MLS with 11, but leads in shots (71) and shots on goal (31) recorded.
The Inter Miami captain has gone through four coaching changes since joining Inter Miami in 2023, adapting through the chaos to shine. He’s made history with the club despite new formations and tactics by propelling Inter Miami to the Supporters’ Shield, Leagues Cup and 2025 MLS Cup.
He also became the only player in league history to become back-to-back MLS MVP in 2024 and 2025, and won the Golden Boot last year.
“Speaking about Leo is truly striking, first because of the person he is, and second because of the player you see on the pitch,” said Hoyos.
The last six months between the Eastern Conference final to the regular season game against FC Cincinnati prove that the calibre of players on the roster can carry Inter Miami through even the most drastic changes.
“There is an outpouring of energy, of hard work on the field, an abundance of effort,” Hoyos said after the 5-3 victory. “There are players who truly elevate the MLS like [Messi], Rodrigo [De Paul] and [Luis] Suárez, for instance, among the many talented players we have here. But what they accomplished today was brilliant, simply brilliant.”
Inter Miami is due another coaching change soon as Hoyos is replaced by a permanent manager, with sources confirming to ESPN that the front office will begin the search following the World Cup.
The Herons may line up completely differently once again when hosting FC Cincinnati in October at Nu Stadium, but if Messi is on the field, Pat Noonan’s side should prepare to be overshadowed.

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