Lionel Messi played a crucial role in dragging Inter Miami into extra time during the US Open Cup semi-finals, providing two fantastic assists.
Since joining Inter Miami, co-owned by Jorge Mas and David Beckham, Messi has yet to experience a defeat. His arrival has sparked a remarkable run for the team in the United States.
Inter Miami had secured seven consecutive wins, including winning their first-ever trophy in the Leagues Cup, showcasing a strong start to their collaboration with Messi, who signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the club.
However, facing FC Cincinnati in the U.S Open Cup semi-final, Messi’s team seemed to be struggling. The match was scheduled just four days after the Leagues Cup final against Nashville, leading to a demanding turnaround for the team.
Cincinnati went ahead in the first half through Luciano Acosta and looked fairly dominant throughout.
They doubled their lead in the 53rd minute through Brandon Vazquez, and Miami looked like they were heading out of the cup.
However, Messi, as he has done time and time again, pulled out the stops to bring his side back into the game.
Messi free-kick put Inter Miami a goal ahead 😎⚽️pic.twitter.com/d6Avl3u3d5
— Official Blessing (@BlessingGives) August 24, 2023
Miami were awarded a free-kick in the 68th minute with the Argentinian stepping up to whip in a wonderful ball that found the head of Leonardo Campana and into the goal.
It looked like Cincinnati were heading to a huge win, however, Messi had other ideas.
Collecting the ball about 35 yards from goal the former Barcelona player whipped in an incredible ball over the top and again onto the head of Campana to equalise for Miami.
MESSI BALL IS CRAZY OMG!!!pic.twitter.com/vSru2XGmz5
— Barça Worldwide (@BarcaWorldwide) August 24, 2023
The equaliser came in the 97th minute sending the semi-final into extra time.