Lionel Messi delivered a stellar performance for Inter Miami in an intense match against FC Cincinnati. Although the Argentine star appeared to score three times during the encounter, MLS officials refused to record his 61st career hat-trick. This was reported by Goal.com .
In the 89th minute, a shot by Messi hit the post and deflected into the net off goalkeeper Roman Celentano. League officials decided to credit the goal as an own goal by the goalkeeper rather than to Messi.
Due to this decision, the number of official hat-tricks in Messi's career remains at 60. He trails his eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo by six hat-tricks in this regard. Nevertheless, Messi is in excellent form this season, recording 11 goals and 4 assists in 12 matches.
Following this victory, Inter Miami climbed to second place in the Eastern Conference standings with 25 points. The team managed to narrow the gap with leaders Nashville and solidified their position in the championship race.
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