Messi propels Inter Miami past Nwobodo’s Cincinnati to reach US Open Cup final

The Argentine bagged a brace of assists to lead Gerardo Martino’s Herons into the final of the competition.

Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami have reached the final of the US Open Cup final after defeating Obinna Nwobodo’s Cincinnati 5-4 on penalties on Thursday morning, Soccernet.ng reports.

With the thrilling encounter tied at 3-3 after extra time, the Argentina international inspired the Herons during kicks from the penalty spot.

The six-goal thriller got off to a dramatic start when Cincinnati took an early lead with a deflected shot from Luciano Acosta in the 18th minute.

The Orange and Blue doubled their advantage seven minutes before the hour mark courtesy of Brandon Vazquez’s effort having been teed up by Colombian defender Santiago Arias.

Looking dead and buried, Inter Miami continued to push, and that paid off in the 68th minute as Leonardo Campana pounced home from Messi’s well-taken free-kick.

In a dramatic twist of event, Campana completed his brace in stoppage time, with the former Barcelona and PSG great supplying the assist.

The momentum swung in favour of Inter Miami during extra time, with Josef Martinez finding the net to give Gerardo Martino’s men a 3-2 lead.

Regardless, Cincinnati did not back down, as Yuya Kubo’s skillful shot brought the game to a thrilling 3-3 tie in the 114th minute.

During the ensuing kicks from the penalty mark, Nick Hagglund missed his shot as Messi and teammates reached the final as they await either Houston Dynamo or Real Salt Lake.

Watch video here:

Former Nigeria youth international Nwobodo was in action for the entire duration for Cincinnati, but was cautioned in the 31st minute by referee Joseph Dickerson.

His team would be hoping to bounce back from this setback by defeating New York City in their Major Soccer League outing on Sunday inside the TQL Stadium, Ohio.

This post was last modified on August 24, 2023 5:25 am

Shina Oludare

Share
Published by
Shina Oludare

Recent Posts

Report: Carrick’s Middlesbrough nears signing of Super Eagles star

EFL Championship side Middlesbrough are reportedly closing in on the signature of Super Eagles attacker… Read More

7 hours ago

John Terry vs Roberto Carlos: What ex-Chelsea captain said to Mikel Obi after star-studded performance

Former Chelsea captain John Terry has hailed John Mikel Obi’s performance after their star-studded charity… Read More

10 hours ago

Kazeem Olaigbe: Rennes close to signing ex-Southampton lad caught between Nigeria & Belgium

French club Rennes are closing in on the signing of Cercle Brugge winger Kazeem Olaigbe,… Read More

15 hours ago

Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund begin negotiations for exciting Nigerian midfielder

Borussia Dortmund have taken a significant step in their pursuit of Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka,… Read More

16 hours ago

Relegation dogfight: Aribo and Onuachu score to help Southampton steal big win at Ipswich

Super Eagles stars Joe Aribo and Paul Onuachu were the difference makers for Southampton as… Read More

17 hours ago

Sevilla head coach reveals shocking updates about the future of two Nigerian strikers

Sevilla head coach, Garcia Pimienta, has spoken about the future of Super Eagles striker, Kelechi… Read More

18 hours ago