Lionel Messi, Inter Miami advance to U.S. Open Cup final after dramatic penalty kick shootout over FC Cincinnati

Lionel Messi's unbeaten run with Inter Miami looked like it was on the verge of coming to an end on Wednesday, but some more late-game magic helped them overcome a two-goal deficit and earn a win over FC Cincinnati in the semifinals of the U.S. Open Cup. Both teams played to a 3-3 tie before Inter Miami won 5-4 on penalty kicks.

Messi was completely shut down by FC Cincinnati early, failing to register a shot in the entire game. However, he found other ways to impact the game, recording an assist on a free kick that was put in by Leonardo Campana in the 68th minute and another dazzling pass to Campano in stoppage time to send the game into extra time.

Lionel Messi added a record-setting 44th trophy to his awe-inspiring career collection when Inter Miami won the Leagues Cup final against Nashville SC on Saturday.

He has a shot at a 45th trophy as Inter Miami continues its quest to win the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

In the 93rd minute, Josef Martinez put in what seemed like it could be the game-winner off an assist by Benjamin Cremaschi. FC Cincinnati tied things up with a goal by Yuya Kubo in the 114th minute.

Messi had a free kick that was saved in the 119th minute, and things were sent to penalty kicks. He went first for Inter Miami and easily put in his PK. Both teams converted their first four attempts before Drake Callender saved FC Cincinnati's fifth attempt. Cremaschi broke the stalemate and pushed Inter Miami over the top.

Fans online were hoping until the final whistle for some Messi magic, and their wish was granted with his stellar plays that led to the Inter Miami victory:

When is the US Open Cup Final.?

Messi and Inter Miami will face the winner of Wednesday night's matchup between Houston Dynamo and Real Salt Lake in the Open Cup Final on Sept. 27. They will be back in MLS action on Saturday against the New York Red Bulls.

How can I watch Live Inter Miami CF next match ?

US viewers can watch Wednesday's match on Peacock, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, CBS Sports Golazo, and Telemundo. It will also be available on Paramount+, and Pluto TV.

How to watch Lionel Messi in the U.S. Open Cup

The Inter Miami-FC Cincinnati game can be streamed on the CBS Sports Golazo Network (available for free on the CBS Sports app and Pluto TV) and Paramount+, with Spanish-language broadcasts available on Telemundo and Peacock.

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