CINCINNATI (AP) — Lionel Messi’s MLS-record streak of scoring multiple goals in five straight matches ended on Wednesday night in Inter Miami’s 3-0 loss to FC Cincinnati.

MLS MVP frontrunners, Evander and Lionel Messi, faced off July 16 at TQL Stadium. The FC Cincinnati star left with a stronger case for the award.

Rodrigo De Paul is set to join Lionel Messi at Inter Miami from Atlético Madrid on a four-year deal. De Paul’s arrival could encourage other MLS teams to invest in quality players still in their prime,

Messi will play against Cincinnati for only the second time since joining Inter Miami and is looking for his first career goal against them. Messi did convert a penalty kick in a shootout win for Miami on Aug. 23, 2023, in the U.S. Open Cup semifinals.

La racha récord de Lionel Messi en la MLS, de al menos dos tantos en cinco partidos consecutivos, se cortó el miércoles en la goleada de 3-0

Lionel Messi was on a historic scoring streak, which had helped Inter Miami become the hottest team in Major League Soccer.

Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul has agreed to contract terms with Inter Miami, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

Lionel Messi registered his fifth straight multigoal game, propelling Miami to the top of ESPN's MLS Power Rankings.

Rodrigo De Paul will reportedly first join on loan this summer as the Herons add a major reinforcement to the midfield.

Lionel Messi became the first player in Major League Soccer history with four consecutive multi-goal games, scoring twice to lead Inter Miami past the New England Revolution 2-1.