Messi scored two assists, Inter Miami entered the US Open Cup final

Cincinnati 3-3 Inter Miami

Inter Miami faced Cincinnati in the semi-finals of the US Open Cup – America's oldest football tournament. The two teams are no strangers to each other, as they both compete in the Eastern Conference of Major League Soccer (MLS). Cincinnati topped their group, while Inter Miami finished second to last. However, the arrival of Messi has bridged the gap in skill between the two teams.

Cincinnati started better, but Inter Miami had the first shot on goal. As usual, Messi received special attention from the home team's defenders. He didn't touch the ball much, but he forced the opposition to assign players to mark him.

In a tightly contested match, Cincinnati unexpectedly took the lead. Acosta broke through the center before his shot deflected off Miller's leg, changing direction and leaving goalkeeper Callender helpless.

Messi continued to be the driving force for Inter Miami in their match against Cincinnati.

Acosta's goal increased the pace of the game. However, Messi and his teammates struggled against Cincinnati's deep defensive line.

In the second half, the game remained unchanged. While focused on attacking, Inter Miami were caught on the counter-attack by the home team. Brandon Vazquez received the ball on the edge of the penalty area and finished decisively to double the lead.

Just when it seemed that the two goals conceded would crush Inter Miami's spirit, Messi's class shone through. In the 67th and 90+8th minutes, Messi delivered two high crosses that allowed Campana to score a brace. The match was forced into extra time.

In the 93rd minute, Josef Martinez scored for Inter Miami. Just when it seemed Messi's team had successfully staged a comeback, Yuya Kubo shone, bringing the score to 3-3.

In the penalty shootout, Messi and his teammates converted all five of their penalties. However, in the final round, Hagglund missed, resulting in a 4-5 defeat for his team. Inter Miami advanced to the US Open Cup final. Messi now has the opportunity to win his second title with Inter Miami, following their Leagues Cup victory.

Result: Cincinnati 3-3 Inter Miami (penalty shootout: 4-5)

Goals:

Cincinnati: Acosta (18'), Vazquez (53'), Kubo (114')

Inter Miami: Campana (68', 90'+8), Martinez (93')

Van Hai

Source: https://vtc.vn/messi-lap-cu-dup-kien-tao-inter-miami-vao-chung-ket-us-open-cup-ar815006.html