Inter Miami interim head coach Guillermo Hoyos believes their win over FC Cincinnati "showed the world" great football is played in MLS.

The Herons won 5-3 at TQL Stadium on Wednesday to keep themselves within touching distance of Eastern Conference leaders Nashville SC.

Lionel Messi was the star of the show, again, for Miami as he led the way with two goals and an assist against Cincinnati; only Hugo Cuypers (12) has scored more MLS goals than Messi (11) this year.

Hoyos's side produced 2.2 expected goals (xG) from 17 shots, five of which were big chances, while Miami also had 41 touches in the opposition box compared to Cincinnati's 14.

Miami have won 22 points across their opening nine MLS games this term, the joint-most in league history (Cincinnati – 24), though they are back at home for their next match as they host the Portland Timbers.

"They shined on a difficult field against a very tough opponent," said Hoyos.

"It’s extremely hard to play the way the players did – what they showed was truly extraordinary.

"They went out there to give everything and showed the world that great football is played here, too.

"We are very happy and comfortable that we can play football at a high level.

"[The players] showed the world that they have the presence, the imagination, the experience, the dream to come out as champions and continue to be champions."

And when asked about Messi, Hoyos added: "There are players that truly improve and make the league better.

"First, because of the player and person [Messi] is. He puts in a lot of work. They left everything on the field."

Portland have regained some momentum in recent games; they thrashed Sporting Kansas City 6-0 before twice coming from behind to draw with CF Montreal.

The Timbers could move into the top nine of the West with a win over Miami, and veteran Diego Chara is relishing the chance to face Messi.

"Every game is different," said Chara.

"But when you play this type of player, we’re talking about in the history of soccer, one of the biggest players, that makes me really happy.

"That’s a great opportunity for someone in my position to try and stop him. It’s not going to be easy."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Inter Miami – Lionel Messi

Messi had two goals and an assist on Wednesday, his second straight match with three goal contributions.

Messi has already recorded three straight league games with at least three goal contributions three times since joining Miami, most recently last October.

Portland Timbers – Kevin Kelsy

Kevin Kelsy has been involved in seven goals in his last six regular-season appearances (four goals, two assists), including scoring at Montreal last time out.

Kelsy has either scored or assisted on seven of the last 10 goals scored by Timbers players (excluding own goals).

MATCH PREDICTION: INTER MIAMI WIN

Current Timbers head coach Phil Neville was Inter Miami's boss for the Herons’ two previous meetings with Portland. The home team won each of those matches by one goal (Portland in 2021, Miami in 2022). 

However, Miami are winless in their first four home matches at Nu Stadium (D3 L1), with Messi appearing in all of them. This is the first time in Messi’s career that his team has failed to win four straight home league matches in which he appeared.

Timbers avoided defeat for just the second time in their last 10 away matches in all competitions (W1 D1 L8) with a draw at Montreal.

Portland have now won only one of 15 away matches against Eastern Conference teams since the start of the 2021 season (D4 L10).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Inter Miami – 69.7%

Draw – 16.7%

Portland Timbers – 13.6%