Inter Miami have accustomed us to games with strong twists and turns since the arrival of Lionel Messi, and this was still the case on Wednesday.
Just four days after winning the League Cup, Inter looked set to be brought down to earth minutes from a loss to Cincinnati, having trailed 2-0 but eventually drew the victory in the penalty shootout in the semi-finals of the United States Cup.
The first eight players to come in front of the net touched the target before the failure of Nick Hagglund, easily stopped by goaltender Drake Callender. Messi, Farias, Ruiz, Martinez and Cremaschi all scored in that order to seal the game.
Back to the wall, Messi, who has still not officially played in MLS with his new club, also participated in the equalizer by providing a sublime pass to Leonardo Campana in added time (90 + 6) to make it 2-2.
Josef Martinez gave Florida the lead early in extra time, but it was Cincy’s turn to keep the fun going until the play-offs when Yuya Kubo scored in the 114th minute.
Campana had also scored in the 68th minute to put his side on the board at 2-1, after a free kick from Messi.
The winner will meet in the final against Houston or Real Salt Lake, who are currently facing each other.
Messi gave an interview with Apple TV+ during which he said he was not thinking about retirement yet and wanted to “make the most of the time he has left” in soccer. And that is absolutely what he has demonstrated since his debut with Miami.
“Honestly, I’m not thinking about it yet. I love playing, being on the pitch with a ball, competing and training,” the 36-year-old legend said.
“I don’t know how much longer I’m going to play, but I’ll try to enjoy it while I can, as long as I’m well, and we’ll see. The most important thing is to take advantage of what is left, whether it is a lot or a little. You have to take advantage of every moment because it won’t come back and I don’t want to regret anything, ”added the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner in this interview recorded on Saturday.
A little later the same day, Messi won his first trophy with Miami, in the League Cup, against Nashville after penalties (1-1, 10 tab to 9). He scored on this occasion his 10th goal in 7 games since his transfer in July from PSG to Miami for a two and a half year contract.
2023-08-24 02:15:56
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