MLS Aims Swipe at ‘Script’ Claims As Messi Leads Inter Miami to US Open Cup Final

• Lionel Messi helped Inter Miami defeat Cincinnati on penalties to reach the US Open Cup final
• Messi's goal-scoring streak ended, but he assisted Leonardo Campana twice in the game
• The game continues fans' conspiracy theory that matches in the US are scripted for the Argentine

It was another night of 'scripting' as Lionel Messi helped Inter Miami reach their second final this season - the US Open Cup, as they beat Cincinnati on penalties.

Messi's inspiring performances continue to uplift statistically the worst team in Major League Soccer, Inter Miami, to greater heights against some of the best teams in the country.

His goal-scoring streak was halted in his eighth game, but he provided two brilliant assists for Leonardo Campana to head home, first to pull one back and the other to take the game to extra time deep into the second half.

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The win on penalties set up a final against Houston Dynamo, who beat Real Salt Lake. It presents another trophy-winning opportunity for Miami days after they won the Leagues Cup.

MLS jabs 'script' conspiracy

Some conspiracy theories have been trending on social media, stating that games are 'scripted' in favour of Messi to win it all in the MLS.

Football media handlers are not blind to happenings online, and with the game set to go to penalties after a pulsating 3-3 draw, the league's official Twitter admin made fun of the conspirators.

"Can the script writers take the day off for one night? Admin is emotionally exhausted," it tweeted.

Messi stepped up to take his team's first penalty and converted, as he has done previously. Goalkeeper Drake Callender saved Cincinnati's fifth penalty before youngster Benjamin Cremaschi won it for Miami.

Argentina stars reject Saudi moves

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Sports Brief reported on eight Argentines who rejected Saudi Arabia moves, including Lionel Messi, who turned down a world record salary offer from Al-Hilal to join Inter Miami.

His 'bodyguard' Rodrigo De Paul was the latest member of the 2022 FIFA World Cup-winning squad to turn down a move to the Middle East to remain at Atletico Madrid.