Messi Leads Inter Miami Past FC Cincinnati in Thrilling Penalty Shootout
Inter Miami CF continued their magical run with a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout win over FC Cincinnati in the US Open Cup semifinals on Wednesday night. Lionel Messi, the Argentine superstar, once again proved to be the difference maker, scoring the game-tying goal in the 97th minute and converting his penalty in the shootout.
A Back-and-Forth Battle:
The match was a thrilling affair from the start. Cincinnati, playing in front of their home crowd, dominated the first half and took the lead in the 18th minute through a header by Brandon Vazquez.
Inter Miami, however, fought back in the second half and equalized in the 68th minute when Leonardo Campana finished a well-worked team move. Both teams had chances to win the game in regulation time, but neither could find a way through, forcing extra time.
Messi Magic:
The extra time period was a tense affair, with both teams tiring. However, with just three minutes remaining in the second extra period, Messi once again stepped up. He received a pass from Robert Taylor and calmly slotted the ball past Cincinnati goalkeeper, Alec Kann, to send the game into a penalty shootout.
Shootout Drama:
The penalty shootout was a rollercoaster of emotions. Both teams converted their first four penalties, setting the stage for a dramatic finale. Messi stepped up for the fifth Inter Miami kick and coolly slotted the ball past Kann, before Cincinnati's next penalty was saved by Drake Callender.
Inter Miami's Dream Run Continues:
With the victory, Inter Miami advanced to their first ever US Open Cup final. The team has been transformed since Messi's arrival, winning the Leagues Cup and now set to compete for another major trophy. Messi's impact has been nothing short of remarkable, and the team will be looking to him to lead them to victory in the final.
Key Takeaways:
- Messi's continued brilliance: Messi continues to be the driving force behind Inter Miami's success. His goal in the 97th minute and his penalty conversion in the shootout were crucial to the win.
- Inter Miami's resilience: The team has shown incredible fight and determination, coming back from a goal down to win the game. They have overcome a slow start to the MLS season and are now on the verge of winning a major trophy.
- Cincinnati's disappointment: Cincinnati had a chance to reach their first ever US Open Cup final. They were unlucky to concede the late equalizer and ultimately lost in the shootout.
Inter Miami's journey to the US Open Cup final has been a captivating one. With Messi leading the way, they will be a formidable force in the final. The team's fans will be eagerly anticipating the final, hoping to see their team lift the trophy.
