Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are through to the final of the US Open Cup after another unforgettable, drama-filled night — one which saw them overturn a late 2-0 deficit to MLS-leading FC Cincinnati, before trading goals in extra time and surviving another penalty shootout.
[ FULL MATCH REPLAY: US Open Cup semifinal - FC Cincinnati vs Inter Miami (en Español) ]
For the first time since he debuted for Inter Miami on July 21, Messi failed to score on Wednesday, though it was his brilliant delivery into the penalty area which set up both goals in the final 25 minutes. He found Leonardo Campana’s head for the first time in the 68th minute and again in the seventh minute of stoppage time. After eight games played, Messi now has 10 goals and six assists.
Messi then converted Inter Miami’s first spot kick in the shootout, sending goalkeeper Alec Kann one way and coolly rolling the ball the other. Inter Miami wouldn’t miss any of their five attempts, with 18-year-old USMNT hopeful Benjamin Cremaschi converting in the fifth round after Cincinnati-born center back Nick Hagglund was denied one kick earlier.
[ MORE: Lionel Messi tracker - latest goals, highlights and upcoming schedule ]
FC Cincinnati vs Inter Miami, final score: 3-3 (4-5 PKs)
Goalscorers: Luciano Acosta (18'), Brandon Vazquez (53'), Leonardo Campana (68', 90'+7), Josef Martinez (93'), Yuya Kubo (114')
How to watch FC Cincinnati vs Inter Miami live, stream link, time
Kickoff: 7 pm ET, Wednesday (August 23)
TV: Telemundo (en Español)
Online: Watch online via Peacock (en Español)
¡Qué clase😎!
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) August 24, 2023
🤩 Messi engaña al arquero y con facilidad convierte su penal.
Cincinnati ⚽
Inter Miami ⚽
📺 @Telemundo y @peacock ➡️ https://t.co/u39WJtYYrZ#USOC2023 #USOpenCup pic.twitter.com/Hf9hKxbYIn
¡Qué clase de disparo😎!
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) August 24, 2023
⚽ Yuya Kubo tomó un rebote y le pegó con potencia para empatar el marcador
Cincinnati 3-3 Inter Miami
📺 @Telemundo y @peacock ➡️ https://t.co/u39WJtYYrZ#USOC2023 #USOpenCup pic.twitter.com/pk3cSG6t45
¡Remontada y ya lo gana Inter Miami💪!
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) August 24, 2023
🤩 Josef Martínez define un gran pase de Benjamín Cremaschi y ya le dieron la vuelta.
Cincinnati 2-3 Inter Miami
📺 @Telemundo y @peacock ➡️ https://t.co/u39WJtYYrZ#USOC2023 #USOpenCup pic.twitter.com/fIujMwv8zD
¡GO-LA-ZO🤩!
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) August 24, 2023
😎 Brandon Vázquez le pega de fuera del área y aumenta la ventaja
Cincinnati 2-0 Inter Miami
📺 @Telemundo y @peacock ➡️ https://t.co/u39WJtYYrZ#USOC2023 #USOpenCup pic.twitter.com/FlV9XiVr4r
FC Cincinnati strike first against Messi and Inter Miami. ⚽️
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) August 23, 2023
📺: Spanish Commentary on @Telemundo & @peacock pic.twitter.com/Kzz0tjzG0i
Tonight’s Starting XI vs FC Cincinnati ⚽ pic.twitter.com/QSRsH3zADf
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 23, 2023
Taking the pitch for #CINvMIA. pic.twitter.com/A7HGqA0JqN
— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) August 23, 2023