In pictures: Lionel Messi shines with two assists, penalty to power Inter Miami to US Open Cup final

Inter Miami has reached yet another final as the team defeated FC Cincinnati with powering assistance from Lionel Messi at the US Open Cup. The match ended in a 3-3 draw before the team triumphed 5-4 in a thrilling penalty shootout. Messi, a force on the field, found himself stifled by Cincinnati early in the game, failing to register a single shot. However, he showcased his versatility by contributing in other crucial ways. Messi delivered an assist on a free kick, leading to a goal by Leonardo Campana. He once again made a dazzling pass to Campana in stoppage time, equalizing the score and forcing the game into extra time. The tension reached its peak when Messi took a free-kick that was saved by the opposition. The match headed to a penalty shootout. He then slotted in his penalty kick as the first shooter for Inter Miami. The breakthrough came when Inter Miami's goalkeeper, Drake Callender, made a crucial save on FC Cincinnati's fifth attempt. Benjamin Cremaschi then stepped up for Inter Miami and sealed their path to the U.S. Open Cup final.