Even when he's not scoring, Lionel Messi's brilliance doesn't waver.
Inter Miami CF's superstar forward fired off a must-see assist Wednesday night at FC Cincinnati, setting up a 97th-minute equalizing header from Leonardo Campana. With the score set at 2-2, the US Open Cup semifinal then went into extra time.
Following that second bit of Messi-to-Campana magic, epic scenes ensued with Miami striker Josef Martínez (93') and Cincy substitute Yuya Kubo (114') both scoring in extra frames. After the 3-3 draw, PKs ensued and homegrown Benjamin Cremaschi was the hero following Drake Callender's fifth-round save that denied Nick Hagglund and stunned the TQL Stadium crowd (5-4).
The Herons are four days removed from winning the 2023 Leagues Cup title and booking a 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup spot. Now, they've taken down the MLS Supporters' Shield leaders and will fight for a second trophy in the USOC final on Sept. 27.
