Messi Caught Moving the Ball 'Illegally' Before Scoring Stunning Free Kick, Video
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Inter Miami has moved within touching distance of another trophy opportunity after beating MLS Eastern Conference League leaders, FC Cincinnati, 5-4 on penalties to reach the US Open Cup final.
The Herons nearly completed a perfect comeback after going two goals down but conceded a late equaliser in extra time to take the game to penalties against one of the best teams in the division.
Lionel Messi's goal-scoring streak also ended but this did not stop him from producing magic with beautiful assists for forward, Leonardo Campana, to convert on two occasions.
Messi Caught Moving the Ball 'Illegally' Before Scoring Stunning Free Kick, Video
FootballThe game ended 3-3 after 120 minutes and Miami won on penalties to set up a final against Houston Dynamo, who beat Real Salt Lake on September 27, as reported by CBS Sports.
Inter Miami co-owner, David Beckham, was pivotal in Messi moving to the MLS and has been present at the stadium for their games. He also celebrated with the team after their Leagues Cup victory.
The Manchester United legend clearly relished the chance to lift another trophy with the club founded five years ago and which is at the bottom of the league.
"Another great night in pink, a great performance from the team to reach another final... very proud," he wrote on Instagram.
Meanwhile, Cincinnati's coach Pat Noonan had special praise for Messi after his side were eliminated from the cup competition in the semi-final after a pulsating 120 minutes.
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Football"The loss really hurts… The players deserved more. We played well for a large part of the game, but then Messi came up with moments of magic to assist both goals for a comeback. We couldn't do more than we did," he said via Stadium Astro.
Noonan was confident his team could stop the former Barcelona captain before the game. Alhough they prevented the veteran from scoring, he still made a big impact.
Sports Brief also reported on MLS aiming mockery at conspiracy theorists who go about on social media with the claims that games are scripted to allow Messi to win it all.
The league's Twitter admin displayed awareness of these trends and - before the game went to penalties - claimed mental exhaustion and that he wanted a 'different script'.