Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF celebrates after teammate Leonardo Campana #9 scored his second goal against 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.—AFP
Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, staged a remarkable comeback to secure a spot in the US Open Cup final. The team fought back from a 2-0 deficit to beat Cincinnati in a thrilling semi-final that ended 3-3 after extra time. Messi’s impact on the team has been undeniable since his arrival last month, and Miami is now just one win away from clinching their second trophy.
The US Open Cup: Soccer’s Oldest Knockout Competition
The US Open Cup, often referred to as “American soccer‘s oldest knockout competition,” dates back to 1914. It is the most prestigious tournament in American soccer, comparable to England’s FA Cup or Spain’s Copa del Rey. Teams from various leagues across the country compete for the chance to lift the coveted trophy. This year, Inter Miami, with their star-studded lineup featuring Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, has emerged as a formidable contender.
A Thrilling Semi-Final Match
In a scorching Ohio heat, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius), Inter Miami found themselves trailing 2-0 against Cincinnati. The unbeaten run since Messi’s arrival seemed to be in jeopardy, but the team showed incredible resilience and determination. With just 22 minutes remaining, Messi took charge and inspired his teammates to mount a comeback.
Messi’s compatriot Luciano Acosta opened the scoring for Cincinnati in the 18th minute, putting Miami on the backfoot. American striker Brandon Vazquez extended Cincinnati’s lead with a superb strike from the edge of the box in the 53rd minute. However, Messi refused to let his team go down without a fight.
Messi’s Heroic Assists
As the clock ticked towards the end of regular time, Miami needed something special to turn the tide. And Messi delivered. In the seventh minute of stoppage time, Messi swung in a perfectly placed cross from deep on the left. Striker Leonardo Campana rose to the occasion and found the back of the net, reducing the deficit to 2-1. The crowd erupted in celebration as Miami’s hopes of a comeback came alive.
But Messi wasn’t done yet. In extra time, the Argentine maestro once again displayed his brilliance. With a precise pass, he set up Campana for a second time, who duly obliged by scoring the equalizer. The match was now level at 2-2, and Miami’s dream of reaching the final was still alive.
A Nail-Biting Penalty Shootout
With neither team able to break the deadlock in extra time, the fate of the match was decided by a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. Both teams displayed nerves of steel as the shootout went back and forth. It was tied at 4-4 when Miami’s goalkeeper, Callender, saved Cincinnati’s Nick Hagglund’s penalty. The momentum swung in Miami’s favor, and Cremaschi converted the subsequent penalty to secure Miami’s place in the final.
Houston Dynamo: Miami’s Final Opponent
Miami’s opponent in the US Open Cup final will be the Houston Dynamo. The Texan side secured their spot in the final after defeating Real Salt Lake 3-1 in extra time. Houston Dynamo will be eager to lift the trophy themselves, but Miami’s recent form and the addition of Lionel Messi make them a formidable opponent.
The final will take place on September 27, and Miami will have the advantage of playing in front of their home crowd. The atmosphere is expected to be electric as fans eagerly anticipate witnessing Messi’s magic on the field once again.
Looking Ahead: Miami’s Quest for Glory
Inter Miami’s journey in the US Open Cup has been a rollercoaster ride filled with thrilling moments and unforgettable performances. The team’s resurgence since Lionel Messi’s arrival has ignited hopes of a successful campaign. The final against the Houston Dynamo will be the ultimate test for Miami as they look to secure their second trophy of the season.
As the anticipation builds, fans and pundits alike eagerly await the clash between two talented sides. Will Messi’s magic be enough to propel Miami to victory once again? Only time will tell. But one thing is for certain: the US Open Cup final promises to be a spectacle filled with drama, skill, and the spirit of competition.
