In an electrifying US Open Cup semi-final, Lionel Messi orchestrated a remarkable comeback for Inter Miami, propelling them to a nail-biting 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Cincinnati after a heart-stopping 3-3 draw in extra time. 

Miami, fresh off their Leagues Cup triumph against Nashville, stands on the cusp of their second trophy since Messi’s arrival just last month. The US Open Cup, akin to England’s FA Cup or Spain’s Copa del Rey, is American soccer’s oldest and most prestigious knockout competition, boasting a storied history dating back over a century to 1914. Follow your favourite football team with attractive football betting odds from Nextbet. 

Cincinnati, reigning atop Major League Soccer’s standings while Miami languished at the bottom a mere month ago, would have been clear favorites. However, the Florida side has undergone a dramatic transformation since Messi’s addition, defying all odds.

The sweltering heat, with temperatures surpassing 100 degrees Celsius at kick-off, seemed poised to end Miami’s unbeaten streak post-Messi. Facing a formidable Cincinnati squad, Inter Miami found themselves trailing 2-0 with just 22 minutes remaining.

Then, the Argentine maestro took center stage, delivering two exquisite assists to striker Leonardo Campana, thrusting Miami into extra time. Messi’s precision free-kick from the left found Campana’s head in the 68th minute, reviving a lethargic display from Gerardo Martino’s squad.

Despite Cincinnati momentarily thinking they had secured a 3-1 lead, VAR disallowed Yuga Kubo’s effort for handball, and Miami keeper Drake Callender made a pivotal save against Santiago Arias.

In the seventh minute of stoppage time, Messi’s magic unfurled again as he provided another pinpoint cross to Campana, who headed home to force extra time.

Miami edged ahead in the first period of extra time, courtesy of Benjamin Cremaschi’s sublime pass to Josef Martinez, who clinically finished.

However, Cincinnati roared back in the second period with Kubo unleashing a right-footed missile into the far corner past Callender.

The climax arrived at the shootout, where Callender’s save against Nick Hagglund’s penalty for Cincinnati and Cremaschi’s cool conversion secured Miami’s spot in the final.

An ecstatic 18-year-old Cremaschi, born in Miami to Argentine parents, shared a moment of triumph with Messi. “I’m living a huge dream,” he exclaimed, reflecting on his incredible journey.

Martino, however, struck a more measured tone, mindful of the grueling schedule ahead. With an eye on the playoffs, he hinted at potential rest for some players, including Messi, acknowledging the physical toll of an intense eight-game stretch.

“Both Leo and many other players are reaching an important physical limit,” Martino stated. “The fatigue is overcome with all the enthusiasm… I hope the team in the future could play better, but it’s very difficult to do that when you almost can’t rest,” he added.

Miami’s stunning victory stands as a testament to the transformative power of Messi and the unwavering spirit of a team that refuses to back down, even in the face of scorching heat and seemingly insurmountable odds. Their journey to glory continues as they prepare for the US Open Cup final on September 27. Get the latest updates from the world of football only on Nextbet Sports.