A Fairytale in Pink

08/24/2023

By: Jeff Yoder

Inter Miami Unbeaten for 8th Straight Game Since Lionel Messi’s Arrival After Stunning Comeback Against Top Team in MLS

Every time Lionel Messi takes the field for Inter Miami CF, it’s a treat for soccer in North America. The ‘Summer of Messi’ has become a thunderstorm of victories for Miami, and there’s no end in sight after beating the top team in the MLS on Wednesday night. Messi didn’t score in regulation — his first match without a regulation goal since he joined the squad — but he produced two assists in a wild comeback before another penalty-shootout win for Miami. The Messi mismatch is a problem for the MLS…

U.S. Open Cup (Semifinal)

Inter Miami CF def. Cincinnati FC (3-3, 5-4 PKs)

Wednesday night’s Miami-Cincinnati clash in the U.S. Open Cup had a spot in the finals on the line (Messi already launched Miami to the Leagues Cup title last week). Cincinnati FC, the No. 1 team in the MLS standings, took a 2-0 lead on the still-last-placed men in pink. Messi connected on a pin-point cross to Leonardo Campana (68’), and while it looked bleak for Miami, he fired an even more magical cross to the head of Campana again in the waning moments of regulation (97’). Both teams traded goals (3-3) before a PK shootout win for Miami. Another thrilling finish, this time against the best team in the MLS.

“Look at this pass, people! He bends light to venom… Messi, where the impossible becomes easy! Where the magical becomes predictable!” — Ray Hudson (CBS Sports)

You’ve got to love Ray Hudson. But he’s right — this is pure magic. Inter Miami are now unbeaten through eight matches since Messi’s arrival (6-0-2). That’s eight wins, six in regulation, and one more to go for a second club trophy.

“It’s a fairytale in pink! A team transformed.” — Andres Cordero (CBS Sports)

Watch: Messi’s Magic Touch Fuels Inter Miami Comeback in US Open Cup (3-3, 5-4 PKs)

U.S. Open Cup Final

Inter Miami CF vs. Houston Dynamo (Sept. 27)

Forbes: Lionel Messi, Inter Miami Reach Another Final After Open Cup Thriller in Cincinnati

Photo: Chandan Khanna / Getty Images