JAKARTA - Lionel Messi's magical feet returned to save Inter Miami. This time La Pulga managed to make his team move into the final round of the US Open Cup 2023.
Inter Miami eliminated FC Cincinnati in the US Open Cup semifinals on Thursday, August 24 at the TQL Stadium which is the opponent's home. Appearing under pressure from the host's supporters, Inter Miami had encountered difficulties.
Inter Miami was even two goals behind. Luciano Acosta gave Cincinnati a 1-0 lead in the first half, then Brandon Vazquez doubled the lead to 2-0 in the 53rd minute.
Being left behind by two goals in the middle of the second half is definitely not a fun thing for Inter Miami, especially since they also have minimal opportunities. But in the midst of that difficult situation, Lionel Messi showed his magical touch.
Not through a goal against, but Messi managed to make an assist who then changed things. Unmitigated, he provided three brilliant passes to bring his team back ahead.
Inter Miami's first return goal came in the 68th minute through Leonardo Campana's header. Campana could score after snatching Messi's free kick on the right side of the Cincinnati defense.
Furthermore, Messi's moment of rescue occurred during injury time. When injury time had entered its seventh minute from the eight minutes provided, Messi got a ball from Jordi Alba in the goal area.
Messi then turned the ball from Alba into an assist for Campana, which again led to a goal against Cincinnati. Inter Miami then survived defeat in normal time and the game continued into extra time.
In extra time, Inter Miami had a 3-2 lead but Cincinnati equalized so the game rolled into the penalty shootout. At this decisive moment, Messi also scored and gave Inter Miami a 5-4 win.
This victory saw Inter Miami qualify for the final and have the opportunity to lift the trophy again.
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