Inter Miami has advanced to the final of the US Open Cup, known as the Lamar Hunt Cup following a captivating win over Cincinnati in a penalty shootout that ended 5-4. After both the original and extra time ended in a 3-3 draw Inter Miami displayed a remarkable comeback, inspired by their star player Lionel Messi who didn’t score during the match but played a crucial role.
Lionel Messi-Image Source: Goal
In the second half, Inter Miami found themselves trailing Cincinnati by two goals. The first goal was scored by Cincinnati in the 18th minute, followed by a second goal in the 53rd minute. However Messi expertly provided an assist to Leonardo Campana in the 68th minute reigniting Inter Miami’s hopes. Just when it seemed Inter Miami had bid farewell to the tournament, Messi delivered a crucial assist to Campana in the 97th minute equalizing the score and forcing the match into extra time.
Early in the first half of extra time, Inter Miami managed to take the lead after just three minutes. However Cincinnati responded with an equalizing goal six minutes before the final whistle. In the penalty shootout Messi and his teammates were successful in converting all five penalties while Cincinnati’s defender Nick Hagglund failed to score the decisive fifth penalty. This secured Inter Miami’s place in the US Open Cup Final.
The final match of the US Open Cup will take place on September- 27- 2023 where Inter Miami will face Houston Dynamo. Houston Dynamo reached the final after defeating Real Salt Lake in the semifinals.
