Inter Miami CF showed remarkable resilience to overcome a 2-0 deficit and pull off a thrilling victory over FC Cincinnati in a penalty shootout on Wednesday night.
The dramatic clash has paved the way for Inter Miami to advance to the final of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, where they will face the winner of the other semi-final match between Real Salt Lake and the Houston Dynamo.
The final of the US Cup is scheduled for September 27.
Anticipation surrounding the match was heightened by the presence of Lionel Messi, considered one of the world’s top soccer players. FC Cincinnati opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a goal by their star player, Luciano Acosta. Inter Miami responded with determination, as Messi’s well-timed assist set up Campana in the 68th minute.
As the clock ticked down, the spirited contest saw Messi’s influence grow. In stoppage time, he orchestrated another key play, assisting Campana to once again level the score at 2–2. Momentum swung in Inter Miami’s favor during extra time, with a goal by Joseph Martinez giving them a 3-2 lead.
However, FC Cincinnati showed their fighting spirit and Yuya Kubo’s strike in the 114th minute tied the score at 3-3. With no solution after 120 minutes, the match went into a tight penalty shootout.
Both teams excelled in the shootout, each taking their first four penalty kicks. Messi, who played an important role throughout the match, successfully converted Inter Miami’s first penalty. The key moment came when Inter Miami goalkeeper, Drake Callender, saved FCC’s fifth penalty, which was taken by Nick Hageglund. That set up Inter Miami’s Benjamin Cremaschi to secure the win, which he did brilliantly.
The thrilling showdown drew significant attention in Cincinnati, drawing 25,513 fans to the stadium. The game was graced by the presence of Cincinnati Bengals stars, including quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receivers JaMar Chase, T. Higgins, and Tyler Boyd, who donned custom FC Cincinnati jerseys. Showed support.
