Lionel Messi delivered another masterclass as Inter Miami overturned FC Cincinnati in a breathless 5-3 victory, a result that underlined both his enduring brilliance and Miami’s growing stature in Major League Soccer.

The Argentine captain struck twice and was involved in two more goals in a chaotic contest that swung repeatedly before Miami’s late surge silenced the home crowd. The performance continued a prolific league campaign for Messi, who now has 11 goals in 12 MLS appearances, driving Miami into second place in the Eastern Conference on 25 points.

Messi opened the scoring in the 24th minute, capitalising on a defensive error when Matt Miazga’s attempted clearance ricocheted off the forward and bounced past the helpless goalkeeper. Cincinnati responded before the interval, Kevin Denkey converting a 41st-minute penalty to send the teams level into half-time.

The hosts seized the initiative shortly after the restart. Pavel Bucha reacted quickest to a loose ball in the area, stabbing home from close range to make it 2-1 and briefly tilt the match in Cincinnati’s favour.

Messi dragged Miami back into the game in the 55th minute, finishing a sweeping move with a trademark left-footed strike after a precise cross from compatriot Rodrigo De Paul. Yet Cincinnati refused to fold. Brazilian playmaker Evander restored their lead in the 64th minute with a powerful drive from distance, his seventh goal in six matches.

Miami’s response in the closing stages was ruthless. Messi slipped a clever pass into the path of young Argentine forward Mateo Silvetti, who levelled in the 79th minute. Moments later, Mexico international German Berterame struck to put Miami ahead for the first time since the opening goal, completing a rapid turnaround at 4-3.

The final act again involved Messi. In the 89th minute he attacked a cross from Silvetti, meeting it with his right foot. The shot cannoned off the post and rebounded against goalkeeper Roman Celentano before crossing the line, officially recorded as an own goal but created by Messi’s movement and technique.

Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos hailed both the resilience and ambition of his side after a demanding night.

What they did today was brilliant, against a tough team and on a difficult pitch, he said. It’s very hard to play here. They’re here to play, to give everything, and to show the world that football is played here too. We were able to play football at a very high level.