Full article

Messi returns to Cincinnati with unfinished business and a desire to settle scores

Lionel Messi returns to TQL Stadium, and he's not just any visitor. He comes with a clear goal in mind: to add another notch to his already impressive scoring record. Because, strange as it may seem, FC Cincinnati remains one of the few MLS clubs that has yet to concede a goal to the Argentine star. And in his world, that's a personal matter.

On matchday 25 of the regular season, Inter Miami has an important date: facing one of its direct rivals in the Eastern Conference. But for Messi, the match is even more significant. His name is already written in the recent history of American football, but every time he faces a team that has not yet ‘suffered’ from his left foot, a small challenge is activated.

So far, Messi has played twice against FC Cincinnati. The first time was in 2023, in the semi-finals of the US Open Cup, when he starred in a thrilling match that ended 3-3 after extra time and was decided from the penalty spot. In that match, he did not score, but he did provide two assists and converted his penalty in the shootout. It was a goalless performance, but one with Messi's hallmark.

The second time was more discreet: October 2023, in a league match that Inter Miami ended up losing by the narrowest of margins. Messi, who was recovering physically, only played the last 35 minutes. It was not enough to change the course of the match or to score his first goal against the Ohio side.

And the curious thing is that in 2024 he has not yet faced them. In the two matches Inter Miami has played against Cincinnati this season, Messi has been absent. First because he was with the Albiceleste competing in the Copa América, and then because of the ankle ligament injury he suffered in the final against Colombia, which kept him out for weeks.

The recent history between the two teams is tied in terms of excitement. Cincinnati thrashed Miami 6-1 at home, but then the Herons took revenge on their home turf with a solid 2-0 win without Messi on the pitch. Now, the most eagerly awaited face-off is reunited with its main protagonist.

Messi arrives in fine form: he is coming off a streak of five consecutive games scoring more than one goal, something no one has ever done before in MLS. And if he scores on Wednesday, he will add FC Cincinnati to his personal blacklist: the teams that have already fallen victim to his goal-scoring prowess.

But beyond records and statistics, there is a feeling in the air: Messi has a bone to pick with Cincinnati. A goal pending. A shout he has not yet let out. And in football, when Messi has a debt to settle, he usually does so with interest.

The visit to TQL Stadium will not be just another game. It will be a new page in the history of the American Messi. A stage where he will seek to leave his mark and close that small chapter that is still open. And if there is one thing we know about Leo, it is that when there are scores to settle, he does not usually fail.

So this Wednesday, keep your eyes peeled: there is a high-voltage duel in Ohio... and a Messi eager to leave his mark.