**Messi and Inter Miami Secure Dramatic US Open Cup Victory** **Miami, Fla. (August 23, 2023)** - In a thrilling US Open Cup semifinal clash, Inter Miami CF emerged victorious over FC Cincinnati in a penalty shootout. Just days after Lionel Messi and his club triumphed in the Leagues Cup, the Argentine maestro once again played a pivotal role in a significant victory for Inter Miami. In a closely contested match, Cincinnati took an early lead through Alvaro Barreals' 78th-minute strike. However, Messi displayed his brilliance in the dying moments, providing two assists to help his team level the score and force the match into extra time. In the shootout, Inter Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender made several crucial saves to deny Cincinnati. Meanwhile, Bryce Duke slotted home the winning penalty, securing a 5-4 shootout victory and a berth in the US Open Cup final. Messi's two assists played a key role in Inter Miami's remarkable comeback. His inch-perfect cross found Emerson Rodriguez for the equalizer in the 82nd minute, and his pinpoint pass set up Gonzalo HiguaÃn for the winner in extra time. With this victory, Inter Miami extended their unbeaten run to five matches and booked their place in the US Open Cup final for the first time in club history. They will now face either Orlando City FC or the New England Revolution for the prestigious trophy.
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