(Cincinnati) Lionel Messi had two assists and converted his penalty attempt to lead Inter Miami to victory over FC Cincinnati on Wednesday night in the US Cup semi-finals.
Inter Miami recovered from a two-goal deficit and allowed its opponent to tie the game in the second extra period, but eventually won 5-4 on penalties after a 3-3 tie.
FC Cincinnati built a 2-0 lead before Messi leveled the table with a brace from Leonardo Campana to level the score at 2-2. Inter Miami took a 3-2 lead thanks to Joseph Martinez’s goal in the first extra period, but in the 114th minuteH In the 79th minute, Yuya Kubo scores a penalty.
Messi completed the first attempt for Inter Miami CF and both teams were perfect after four waves of shots. Florida goalkeeper Drake Callender blocked Nick Haglund’s shot in the fifth round and Benjamin Cremachi hit the field goal to send his team to another tournament final.
Inter Miami, who just won the League Cup on penalties, will face the winner of the showdown between Houston Dynamo and Real Salt Lake in the final. The final match is scheduled for September 27.
Messi failed to find the net for the first time since joining Inter Miami at the end of July. He is scheduled to make his Major League Soccer debut on Saturday against the New York Red Bulls.
Luciano Acosta and Brandon Vasquez scored the first two goals for Cincinnati.
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