Lionel Messi Targets U.S. Open Cup Glory After Leagues Cup Success, Will Play Against FC Cincinnati

• Lionel Messi will play against FC Cincinnati in the U.S. Open Cup semis on Wednesday
• Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino confirmed the news before their training on Monday
• Messi and the rest of the Herons will be playing their sixth game in 22 days

Great news, Inter Miami fans.

Lionel Messi will play for the Herons when they lock horns with FC Cincinnati in the semifinals of the U.S. Open Cup this coming Wednesday.

Inter Miami coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino confirmed the news before training on Monday.

Busy schedule for Messi

Messi has faced a hectic schedule since joining Inter Miami last month. He has played in all 90 minutes in each of their last five matches, including Saturday’s Leagues Cup final against Nashville SC.

The match against FC Cincinnati will be their sixth match in 22 days, per ESPN.

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There will be three more games to come for the Herons in the following 11 days after that cup tie, with the MLS season set to resume soon.

Martino addressed Messi’s heavy workload in a press conference, saying:

"We said that at some point he would have to rest because of the load of minutes played. Clearly, Wednesday is not going to be that day. If he does not tell me he wants to rest, he will continue to play."

Inter Miami target U.S. Open Cup

It isn’t a complete surprise to see Messi play against FC Cincinnati as Inter Miami have a great opportunity to win another trophy following their Leagues Cup success.

They are two victories away from winning the U.S. Open Cup, the oldest ongoing national soccer competition in the United States.

If Inter Miami reaches the final, they will face the winner of the clash between Real Salt Lake and Houston Dynamo.

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Leagues Cup win for Messi

The Herons are hungry for more trophies after capturing their first-ever title in the Leagues Cup. Messi’s arrival has helped transform the side, with Inter Miami winning all seven of their Leagues Cup matches en route to the title.

The Argentine star played a pivotal role in that championship run, scoring at least one goal in each of those seven wins.

Sports Brief reported that Messi was named the best player and top scorer of the tournament after recording 10 goals.