WATCH: Lionel Messi’s ‘unreal’ assist to Leonardo Campana paves the way for Inter Miami to reach the U.S. Open Cup final
Lionel Messi provided 2 assists in the semi final against Cincinnati FC.
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Lionel Messi (Via Yahoo Sports)
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are yet to taste defeat as the club owned by David Beckham are yet to fall to a side after the Argentine’s signing. In a fixture in which many expected to be proven otherwise, a late penalty shootout win saw the visitors march on to the finals of the U.S. Open Cup. After a 3-3 draw at the end of extra time, Inter Miami won their third straight shootout of the season with the final tally being 5-4.
Initially, Cincinnati took a 2-0 lead following which Lionel Messi gave two assists out of which the second was spectacular. Messi teed up Campana late into injury time with a threaded cross into the box which the Ecuadorian deftly headed past the Cincinnati keeper. Josef Martinez gave Inter the lead at the start of extra time but Yuya Kubo‘s blasted shot pulled the home side level. After penalties, the game ended 5-4 on penalties while Miami progressed to the final.
Lionel Messi is yet to lose a game with his new side and netizens are very excited to see how far this historic unbeaten run is going to last. Inter Miami face Houston Dynamo in the final and the date for the clash is yet to be declared. Drake Callender has had monumental performances in all three of the shootouts, making important saves as well.
Related: Inter Miami teammate reveals how Lionel Messi’s advice proved to be crucial in changing his gameplay
Drake Callender: The unsung hero for Miami?
Lionel Messi who had never participated in a club penalty shootout prior to his move to the MLS has now been part of three separate shootouts within a one-month period. Surprisingly, the Argentine has had a flawless record in all 3 shootouts and has Drake Callender to thank.
Callender’s saves in the Leagues Cup final went viral, as he saved the 10th and final penalty from Nashville keeper Panicco as well as the 5th and final penalty save in yesterday’s semi.
Callender dove to his left and deflected the low-driven shot from Nick Hagglund to give Miami the win. Callender shares the spotlight with Messi as the Miami hero through their brilliant cup run as well as in the U.S Open tie today.
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Gerard Crispin
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