On-fire Messi scores twice in Miami's 5-3 victory over Cincinnati in MLS

Lionel Messi's exceptional form continued as he scored twice and played a crucial role in two other goals, helping Inter Miami secure a thrilling 5-3 away win over FC Cincinnati in the MLS on Wednesday.

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With the World Cup in North America just a month away, Argentina captain Messi is peaking at the right time, having now scored 11 goals in 12 MLS matches this season, a run that has propelled Miami into second place in the Eastern Conference with 25 points.

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Messi's first goal came in the 24th minute, courtesy of a fortuitous rebound off a poor clearance by Matt Miazga, giving his team an early lead.

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The score was level at 1-1 at half-time, however, after Kevin Denkey's 41st-minute penalty, and Cincinnati took the lead soon after the break when Pavel Bucha scored from close range to make it 2-1.

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Messi restored parity in the 55th minute, finishing off a flowing Miami attack with a left-footed shot from a cross by Rodrigo De Paul, his second goal of the match.

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Cincinnati's Brazilian playmaker Evander then put the hosts back in front with a powerful blast from outside the box in the 64th minute, his seventh goal in six matches, but Miami were far from done.

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Messi set up a goal for young Argentine teammate Mateo Silvetti in the 79th minute, and Mexico international German Berterame scored again to put Miami 4-3 up.

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Messi sealed the win with the final goal in the 89th minute, launching himself at a cross from Silvetti and striking it with his right foot, the ball crashing off the post and deflecting in off goalkeeper Roman Celentano for an own goal.

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Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos was effusive in his praise for his team, saying their performance was "brilliant" against a tough opponent on a difficult pitch.

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Hoyos noted that "it's very hard to play here," but his team had risen to the challenge, demonstrating their commitment to playing at a high level.

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The coach added that his team was "leaving very happy" after the win, having been able to "play football at a very high level".