Lionel Messi Guides Inter Miami Amidst Defeat in Thrilling US Open Cup Semifinal
The saga continues: Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccitinni, revered as a legend, maintains his role as a guiding force propelling his team to successive triumphs since his arrival at Inter Miami in the United States.
In a riveting encounter, Cincinnati and Inter Miami engaged in a pulsating 3-3 draw during the Semifinals of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Notably, Inter Miami ultimately clinched victory through a penalty shootout (5-4), marking Messi’s first defeat in the ranks of his US team and his inaugural tournament absence.
Evidently, Cincinnati had meticulously studied the playbook of facing Inter Miami, acting as though they had meticulously observed every move made by Lionel Messi and his Florida squad during the Leagues Cup. The hosts displayed tactical acumen, not merely restricting spaces but also forging their own avenues to exploit Inter Miami’s vulnerabilities. Their prowess was evident when Luciano Acosta found the back of the net at the 18-minute mark, a shot that had to be intercepted by Inter Miami.
In response, the visitors took their time to formulate a comeback, which eventually materialized when Brandon Vázquez delivered a remarkable cross-shot at the 53-minute juncture, effectively extending Cincinnati’s lead.
With Inter Miami struggling to make headway through the midfield and their focus locked on Messi, set pieces emerged as a potent solution for the visitors. It was none other than Lionel Messi who revitalized hopes for his team by capitalizing on a free-kick opportunity at the 68th-minute mark. Messi’s precise delivery allowed Leonardo Campana to head the ball into the goal, narrowing the scoreline.
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True to his visionary prowess, Messi orchestrated a superb setup for Campana, who capitalized in stoppage time, driving the game into extra time. As the minutes unfolded, Josef Martínez and Kubo found the back of the net during the extra period. However, the ultimate verdict rested with a penalty shootout, in which Hagglund’s errant shot proved decisive. Inter Miami secured their place in the Final, cementing their position within months of Messi’s incorporation into the Florida club.