MLS upholds strict goal attribution rules in Inter Miami victory
Major League Soccer’s decision to credit the final goal against FC Cincinnati to Roman Celentano denies the Argentine star his 61st career hat-trick, despite his three-goal performance guiding Inter Miami to second place in the Eastern Conference.
Major League Soccer has maintained its strict adherence to statistical standards following a controversial ruling that denied Lionel Messi his 61st career hat-trick during Inter Miami’s comeback victory over FC Cincinnati on 13 May 2026. The league’s official website attributed the decisive 89th-minute strike to Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano as an own goal, a decision grounded in FIFA’s Laws of the Game regarding goal attribution.
The incident occurred when Messi’s shot struck the post and deflected off Celentano. Although the ball appeared destined to remain outside the net, Celentano made slight contact on its way through the goal line. Under FIFA regulations, if a shot is not on target to cross the line and enters the net solely due to a defender’s touch, it must be credited as an own goal, regardless of the attacking player’s intent or proximity to scoring.
Consequently, Messi’s official hat-trick tally remains at 60, leaving him trailing Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 66. The ruling prevents the Argentine from closing the gap to five hat-tricks, a milestone that would have significantly altered the historical record of the sport’s most prolific scorers. Messi finished the match with three goals and one assist, contributing to a performance that lifted Inter Miami to second place in the Eastern Conference standings.
Inter Miami’s victory, secured with 25 points from 13 games, highlights the club’s improved standing under Messi’s influence. The 38-year-old has recorded 12 goals and four assists in 14 appearances during the 2026 MLS season. This performance marked his 21st multi-goal game since his 2023 debut, extending his record for the most such games in the league and underscoring his continued dominance in North American football.
The decision underscores MLS’s commitment to precise statistical accuracy as the league’s global profile expands. With Messi’s arrival attracting intense international scrutiny, the league’s rigorous interpretation of goal attribution rules ensures historical consistency. While the ruling denies a historic individual milestone, it reflects an institutional priority on maintaining the integrity of official records amidst rising commercial and sporting interest.
