24 August 2023 , 12:20
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Lionel Messi provided more magic in an Inter Miami shirt on Wednesday night, assisting two, including an equaliser in added time, to force their 3-3 US Open Cup semi-final game against FC Cincinnati to penalties.
The World Cup-winning Argentine also converted his penalty kick in the 5-4 shootout win in Cincinnati's own backyard. Inter Miami will now play Houston Dynamo, who defeated Real Salt Lake 3-1, in the September 27 final at their home stadium, the DRV PNK.
And despite not being at the ground to watch the drama unfold, Beckham - Inter Miami's co-owner who also saw his team clinch the Leagues Cup last weekend - let his feelings be clear after the game, with the franchise on the cusp of a second-ever trophy.
"Another great night in pink," the Manchester United, Real Madrid, and England football legend said on Instagram. "A great performance from the team to reach another final. @intermiamicf very proud."
Miami's win will also boost the franchise's hopes of reviving their MLS Eastern Conference campaign. The team currently sits bottom, and 12 points off the last playoff spot with 12 games to go. And they claimed the scalps of the league leaders on Wednesday, with Cincinnati leading the division on 51 points.
Mbappe misses two penalties and open goal in one minute before going off injured
"I think we were lacking sharpness to navigate that first half," Miami head coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino said. "We were a step off. I saw a team with one gear less than our rival. The good thing about all of this is that we didn't drop our shoulders, we pressed on."
Martino added: "We've been able to overcome many matches, more as a result of the team's character than its play, and obviously for having the best player in the world with us, and we each take turns to get behind him."
Lionel Messi registered two assists and tucked away his penalty as Miami reached the US Open Cup Final (Getty)Messi's magic since touching down in the Sunshine State has seen the forward score ten and assist three in eight games. "He's a leader on the pitch and with the group he's shown it for a long time, not only here with Miami but also with Argentina," Martino said on Messi.
"Luckily, players get behind his leadership and enthusiasm in his response for every moment, no matter the circumstances, and today he showed it more as a conductor than a finisher, and you saw that with the pass late in the match but he makes difficult plays look easy."
Miami will now play seven MLS games before its next Cup Final. Their league season restarts against the New York Red Bulls on Aug. 27.