Lionel Messi’s clutch assist leads Inter Miami into US Open Cup semis

Lionel Messi strikes again. 

The soccer superstar scored a huge goal in penalty kicks after recording a highlight-reel assist in Wednesday’s 5-4 shootout win in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup semifinal against FC Cincinnati after the two teams battled to a 3-3 draw after 120 minutes.  

It was the assist on Leonardo Campana’s stoppage-time goal in the waning ticks of the second half that was the highlight of the night for the Argentine and helped force extra time.

Messi, who already had notched an assist earlier in the contest, sent a pass from deep outside the box to find Campana, who was able to head the ball into the net for the tying goal. 

Messi has scored or assisted on 13 goals for Inter Miami this season in all competitions, according to ESPN Stats & Info


Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi celebrates after a game-tying goal in the 90th minute from teammate Leonardo Campana, not pictured, during the second half of a U.S. Open Cup semifinal soccer match against FC Cincinnati, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, in Cincinnati.
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi celebrates after a game-tying goal in the 90th minute from teammate Leonardo Campana, not pictured, during the second half of a U.S. Open Cup semifinal soccer match against FC Cincinnati.
AP

Messi assisted on Campana’s first goal of the night in the 68th minute to cut Miami’s deficit to 2-1.

That assist came off a free kick into the box that Campana headed past Cincinnati keeper Alec Kann.


Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) plays the ball in the second half against FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium.
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi plays the ball in the second half against FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium.
USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

The 36-year-old later scored during penalty kicks when he buried his shot with a stutter step, sending the ball to the right of Kann, who was anticipating the shot going to the left side of the net. 

As with most games these days that Messi is a part of, there were some local celebrities on hand.

Bengals stars Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Sam Hubbard, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd were on hand to take in the action and took part in a pregame ceremony.

Inter Miami will now get the chance to compete for the club’s second trophy in the Messi era when they play in the finals of the Open Cup next month.


Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi takes a penalty kick in extra time of a U.S. Open Cup semifinal soccer match against FC Cincinnati, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi takes a penalty kick in extra time of a U.S. Open Cup semifinal soccer match against FC Cincinnati.
AP

In just a short period of time, it has become abundantly clear the impact Messi has had on the fledgling club. 

After eight games with his new team, Messi has 10 goals, three assists and one own-goal assist.

He also helped the club win the Leagues Cup title earlier this month and could help Inter Miami try to make a late-season playoff push when the squad resumes its MLS regular season schedule. 

Inter Miami will face the Red Bulls in New Jersey on Saturday in a highly anticipated matchup that brings Messi to the metro area.