FC Cincinnati vs Inter Miami CF: Exciting 3-3 Draw (24 Aug, 2023)

Lionel Messi inspires Inter Miami to a thrilling comeback victory in the U.S. Open Cup semifinals against FC Cincinnati.

Lionel Messi, the renowned Argentine footballer, showcased his brilliance and led Inter Miami to a remarkable comeback victory against FC Cincinnati in the U.S. Open Cup. Despite being down 2-0, Messi delivered two exceptional crosses to striker Leonardo Campana, with the second coming in stoppage time to force extra time.

In the added 30 minutes, substitute Josef Martínez appeared to have completed the turnaround with a composed finish, but Cincinnati fought back and equalized through Yuya Kubo, leading to a penalty shootout.

This was Miami's second shootout in just four days, having previously triumphed over Nashville SC in the Leagues Cup final. Messi scored from the spot, but it was goalkeeper Drake Callender who emerged as the hero, making the decisive save from Nick Hagglund. Benjamin Cremaschi then sealed the victory with a winning kick.

Miami now looks ahead to another final, where they will face either the Houston Dynamo or Real Salt Lake next month. On the other hand, Cincinnati, who had been on the verge of reaching their first-ever final, becomes the latest casualty of Miami's remarkable run since Messi's arrival.

Messi's impact has been remarkable, scoring 10 goals in seven games to lead Miami to the Leagues Cup trophy. However, it was Luciano Acosta, another Argentine No. 10, who opened the scoring for Cincinnati in the 18th minute. Brandon Vázquez then doubled their lead with a superb finish early in the second half.

At that point, Miami seemed destined for defeat against a Cincinnati side that boasted the best record in MLS this season. However, Miami's grueling schedule of seven games in a month had taken a toll on the team, leading coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino to make four changes to the starting lineup and alter the formation.

Miami struggled throughout the match and managed just one shot on target until the 65th minute when Messi set up a chance. A triple substitution injected some life into the team, but it was Messi's assists that proved pivotal. His free kick found Campana, who headed home to bring the score to 2-1. Then, in the dying moments of the game, Messi delivered another exquisite cross that Campana converted with a diving header.

Martinez's early goal in extra time seemed to seal the victory for Miami, but Cincinnati once again equalized, igniting hope in the home crowd. Nevertheless, Miami ultimately prevailed.

This triumph now sees Messi set to feature in the final of the U.S. Open Cup, a competition that has been running since 1914 and is one of the oldest annual soccer tournaments in the world.

However, before the final, Miami must confront the reality of their pre-Messi era as they resume MLS regular-season play with the worst record in the league and a challenging task to secure a spot in the playoffs. Their next match against the New York Red Bulls on Saturday is likely to mark Messi's MLS debut.

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