In an exciting match, Inter Miami advances to the US Open Cup final

CINCINNATI, OHIO - AUGUST 23: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF celebrates after teammate Leonardo Campana #9 scored his second goal against the FC Cincinnati during the second half in the 2023 U.S. Open Cup semifinal match at TQL Stadium on August 23, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - AUGUST 23: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF celebrates after teammate Leonardo Campana #9 scored his second goal against the FC Cincinnati during the second half in the 2023 U.S. Open Cup semifinal match at TQL Stadium on August 23, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Inter Miami reaches the US Open Cup final after an thrilling semifinal match filled with Hollywood-worthy twists and turns. The opponent, FC Cincinnati, took to the field with determination, and the match proved to be a hard-fought battle from the outset.

In the first half, it was Luciano Acosta, not Lionel Messi, who emerged as the hero. At the 17-minute mark, Acosta clinically finished after receiving the ball in the box, scoring the opening goal of the game. Inter Miami didn’t have a brilliant first half, and Cincinnati’s solid defense didn’t allow many attacking opportunities. Messi often had to drop deep to try to initiate plays.

The second half saw Messi, the Argentine genius, spring into action. In a match where Inter Miami was struggling to create chances, Messi showcased his incredible vision. He delivered two perfect crosses to Campana’s head, who capitalized on the opportunities and equalized the game in the closing moments.

CINCINNATI, OHIO – AUGUST 23: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF controls the ball against Junior Moreno #93 of FC Cincinnati during the first half in the 2023 U.S. Open Cup semifinal match at TQL Stadium on August 23, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO – AUGUST 23: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF controls the ball against Junior Moreno #93 of FC Cincinnati during the first half in the 2023 U.S. Open Cup semifinal match at TQL Stadium on August 23, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

The turnaround came in extra time, with a goal from Josef Martínez, who took advantage of a Cincinnati defensive mistake and finished with finesse. However, Cincinnati didn’t give up and leveled the score with a goal from Kubo after a well-worked play.

The fate of the game was decided in penalties, and here Messi shone once again. He was the first to take the spot-kick, and his execution was flawless. Meanwhile, Callender, Inter Miami’s goalkeeper, made a crucial save by diving to the left to deny Hagglund’s Cincinnati penalty.

The qualification penalty was converted by Cremaschi, securing Inter Miami’s spot in the US Open Cup final.

This epic match demonstrated that even when Inter Miami is not at its best, Messi’s presence can make all the difference. His vision and passing ability were crucial for the team, and his composure in penalty kicks showed why he is considered one of the greatest players of all time.

Now, Inter Miami is gearing up for the US Open Cup final, where they will face an opponent to be determined soon. Regardless of the final result, this match will be remembered as one of the most thrilling moments of this year’s competition.