In a riveting display of skill and determination, Lionel Messi orchestrated a stunning turn of events that pushed the game into extra time, delivering two precise assists to Leonardo Campana and leveling the score to an electrifying 2-2. As the match progressed, it seemed that fatigue or the opponent’s growing familiarity with their tactics might have dimmed Inter Miami’s magic. However, amidst the hope of thousands of fans, it became clear that the fading magic was merely a passing moment.
Lionel Messi, in a late surge, ingeniously propelled the game into extra time with two masterful passes to Leonardo Campana, resulting in the score being squared at 2-2. This breathtaking turnaround set the stage for a penalty shootout, where they emerged victorious for the second time.
Joseph Martinez appeared to seal the win with a decisive goal in extra time, only to have Cincinnati level the score later with a goal from Yuya Kubo.
Consequently, Lionel Messi’s unbeaten streak since arriving in the US remains intact, much to the delight of his multitude of fans. It is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence that even on the most challenging days in football, he can conjure a spark to provide his team with a chance at victory.
As Miami continues its pursuit of a second title, the arrivals of Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba have injected fresh energy into the team. This transformation is evident even in the less spectacular games, amid the domination of lesser teams who appear visibly fatigued, a sentiment shared by Messi’s teammates after eight matches in just 32 days.
The stage was set at the TQL Stadium in the heart of Cincinnati, where Luciano Acosta opened the scoring in the 18th minute. Brandon Vazquez seemingly secured a lead in the 53rd minute, delighting a significant portion of the 25,513 spectators who had flocked to witness the US Open Cup semifinal.
Miami is now set to compete in the final of the US Open Cup, the oldest tournament sanctioned by American football, at the venerable age of 108 years. On September 27, they will face the winner of the match between Real Salt Lake City and Houston Dynamo.
Despite their League Cup victory just the previous Saturday and a string of matches in the scorching and humid climate, it appeared that the fatigue might be catching up with Miami. Regardless of the challenges, coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino made four changes to the starting lineup compared to their previous game against Nashville SC.
Busquets exhibited signs of fatigue from the outset, while Alba’s flank rushes lacked the customary impact he delivered during the League Cup. Aviles and Mota seemed a bit off-rhythm compared to their teammates, which is understandable given that this was their first game after signing contracts.
Gomez, much like his performance in the League Cup, appeared nervy, imprecise, and lacking ideas both in attack and defense.
Nonetheless, during the first half, Inter Miami dominated possession, maintaining control for nearly 70% of the time, while Cincinnati awaited an opportunity to strike back.
Following Vazquez’s goal in the second half, it seemed that Miami was on the brink of crumbling, until Messi found Campana, who netted the equalizer.
While it seemed that Inter was regaining its momentum, the hosts had multiple chances to strike on the counterattack.
In the 74th minute, referee Joseph Dickerson controversially disallowed a goal, seemingly depriving Cincinnati of a spot in the final.
Inter Miami improved considerably after five substitutions by Martino in the second half, including the additions of Robert Taylor (Miller), Josef Martinez (Gomez), David Ruiz (Mota), Faku Farias (Yedlin), and Noah Allen (Aviles).
Then, in the 94th minute, Messi orchestrated another play, setting up Campana to level the game once more and extend it into extra time, where Martinez swiftly secured the home team’s victory.
Looking ahead, Miami is set to face the New York Red Bulls on Saturday, marking Messi’s first regular-season MLS match. This encounter promises to be another exciting chapter in Messi’s journey in the US football scene.
