In a captivating turn of events, Lionel Messi’s extraordinary playmaking skills proved decisive as Inter Miami battled against FC Cincinnati in the US Open Cup semifinal. Despite initial signs of fatigue and opponent strategy, Messi’s magic resurfaced to send the game into extra time with two crucial assists to Leonardo Campana, resulting in a 2-2 scoreline.
The encounter was held in Cincinnati, where Inter Miami faced challenges in maintaining their momentum. However, Lionel Messi US Open Cup semifinal victory , Messi’s late-game heroics reinvigorated the team’s spirits as they entered extra time. Notably, this match marked Messi’s continued undefeated streak since his arrival in the United States, showcasing his ability to inspire victory even in challenging circumstances.
Inter Miami’s aspirations for a second title received a boost with Messi’s performance, alongside Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, both of whom joined the team. Despite an apparent display of tiredness from both teams, Miami managed to secure their place in the US Open Cup final after prevailing in a penalty shootout, marking their second such victory.
While Josef Martínez momentarily appeared to secure victory for Miami during overtime, FC Cincinnati demonstrated resilience by equalizing late with a goal from Yuya Kubo. This thrilling contest showcased Messi’s impact on the team’s success, solidifying his position as a key player in Inter Miami’s journey.
The match also highlighted the toll of a hectic schedule on both teams, with Inter Miami enduring eight games in 32 days, including the recent victory in the Leagues Cup. Coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino implemented tactical changes to adapt, substituting key players like Leonardo Campana, Diego Gómez, Tomás Avilés, and Jean Mota.
Despite moments of struggle, Inter Miami exhibited possession dominance in the first half, retaining nearly 70 percent of the ball. However, Cincinnati’s defensive strategy following their initial goal made for a challenging game. Messi’s instrumental assist to Campana during the second half rejuvenated Miami’s efforts, helping them regain their footing.
Referee Joseph Dickerson’s decision to annul a potential FC Cincinnati goal at the 74th minute added another layer of suspense to the game. As the match progressed, Martino’s substitutions injected fresh energy into Inter Miami’s gameplay. At the 94th minute, Messi once again played a pivotal role, setting up Campana’s goal and pushing the match into extra time, where Martínez secured the victory for Miami.Lionel Messi US Open Cup semifinal victory.
Following this remarkable performance, Inter Miami and Messi are poised for their upcoming fixture against the New York Red Bulls in the MLS regular season. This captivating journey underlines Messi’s influence on the league and his ability to turn the tide of matches in his team’s favor.
