Lionel Messi scored twice – and scored in the penalty shootout – to help Inter Miami reach the US Open Cup final.
- No goals this time but Messi picks up two more assists
- Miami Wins Penalty Shootout, Reserves Another Final Spot
- Eight matches without defeat since the arrival of the ex-PSG star
WHAT HAPPENED? Lionel Messi helped inspire Inter Miami’s remarkable comeback against FC Cincinnati as, after an uneventful opening 68 minutes, he assisted two Leonardo Campana goals – the second in the 97th minute – before scoring his penalty in the shootout that was to follow. Youngster Benjamin Cremaschi scored the winning shot on goal after the 120 minutes of action ended 3-3, with the result meaning he is now on his eighth consecutive encounter where he has either scored a goal or claimed an assist for the Herons.
THE BIGGEST PICTURE: Miami advances to the US Open Cup final after more Messi magic. Before his arrival, they were considered the worst team in MLS – and they still sit last in the Eastern Conference standings – but the former Paris Saint-Germain superstar has inspired them to League Cup glorywith his latest contributions helping set up a meeting with the Houston Dynamo in the Open Cup final.
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WHAT’S NEXT FOR INTER MIAMI? It seems crazy to think that Messi, despite playing eight games for Miami, has yet to make his MLS debut. This will take place on August 26, when the Herons travel to Red Bull Arena for a meeting with the New York Red Bulls.
