Shortly after the conclusion of the US Open Cup semi-final match between Inter Miami and FC Cincinnati, in which Lionel Messi’s team emerged victorious, an interesting interaction occurred.
Despite the disappointment of losing the game, Messi was approached by a FC Cincinnati player who asked him to sign his shirt.
Messi had just guided Inter Miami to the cup final with another penalty shootout victory following a thrilling 3-3 draw against Cincinnati at the TQL Stadium.
While he wasn’t able to add to his impressive goal tally of 10 since joining Inter Miami, his impact on the team and the league continues to be significant.
However, despite the initial setback of being 2-0 down, Lionel Messi proved his importance once again by providing two crucial assists for his teammate, Ecuadorian striker Leonardo Campana. One of these assists was particularly outstanding – a remarkable cross that allowed Campana to level the score in the 97th minute, leading to extra time.
Although Josef Martinez managed to give Inter Miami the lead during extra time, Yuya Kubo’s goal equalized the score at 3-3 in the 111th minute, taking the match to a penalty shootout. In the shootout, Gerardo Martino’s team demonstrated their composure and accuracy, converting all five of their spot-kicks to secure a victory and advance to the final.
Messi dispatched his and after Drake Callender saved from Nick Hagglund, Benjamin Cremaschi put away the winner.
Afterwards, the 36-year-old swapped shirts with compatriot and goalscorer Luciano Acosta, sticking to his strict rule.
However, he has also had a request from Brandon Vazquez, also on the scoresheet for Cincinnati.
The United States international was seen embracing Messi after the full-time whistle and approached him with a sharpie marker in hand.
No way Brandon Vazquez just asked Messi to sign his jersey 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/U7ZRNker1P
— Marc Geschwind (@MarcGeschwind) August 24, 2023
In a touching moment after the intense match, Vazquez extended his shirt and a pen to Messi, who gladly signed the jersey despite his bodyguard’s presence.
The Barcelona legend’s willingness to sign the shirt showcased his humility and connection with the fans. Vazquez’s swift request, even before reaching the tunnel, resulted in a signed memento that he will undoubtedly treasure for a lifetime.
After a previous penalty shoot-out defeat, FC Dallas players were eager to get their own keepsakes from Messi and bombarded him with photography requests.
The impact of Messi’s presence extended beyond the players, as even a cleaner who had just started his job was dismissed after a single shift for daring to ask Messi for an autograph.
The aura and influence of the football superstar often lead to such memorable interactions both on and off the field.
He got his Argentina shirt signed by Messi but because he didn’t remain professional, he was sacked immediately.
Inter will take on Houston Dynamo in the US Open Cup final on 27 September but focus will now turn to the return of the MLS, which Messi is yet to debut in.