Lionel Messi Assists Two Goals Then Scores In Penalty Shootout As Inter Miami Beat FC Cincinnati In Epic USOC Semi-Final

Lionel Messi played a starring role as Inter Miami produced a dramatic comeback to qualify for the U.S. Open Cup final.

Miami eventually beat FC Cincinnati in a penalty shootout after Wednesday's semi-final had finished 3-3 after extra time.

Miami's winning run looked like it was going to come to an end after goals from Luciano Acosta and Brandon Vazquez had fired FC Cincinnati into a 2-0 lead.

But two fine Leonardo Campana headers, set up by Messi crosses, saw Miami draw level at 2-2 to force extra time.

Campana's equalizer arrived in the seventh minute of added time.

Lionel Messi assisted two goals for Leonardo Campana as Inter Miami fought back from 2-0 down in Wednesday's U.S. Open Cup semi-final against FC Cincinnati

IMAGO/ZUMA Wire/Kevin Schultz

Josef Martinez then completed the turnaround to put Miami 3-2 up in the third minute of extra time.

But a powerful strike by Yuya Kubo later tied the game at 3-3, forcing penalties.

This was Miami's third penalty shootout in five games.

Messi - just as he had in the previous two - converted Miami's first spot-kick in Wednesday's shootout.

Kubo, Santiago Arias, Facundo Farias, Sergio Santos, David Ruiz, Matt Miazga, Martinez and Benjamin Cremaschi also hit the net. But Nick Hagglund saw his effort saved by Miami keeper Drake Callender as Messi and Co prevailed 5-4.

Highlights: FC Cincinnati 3-3 Inter Miami (4-5 On Penalties)

Inter Miami had never reached a cup final prior to the arrival of Messi.

The Herons have now qualified for two in a matter of weeks.

Miami beat Nashville SC 10-9 in an epic penalty shootout to win the Leagues Cup final on Saturday.

The USOC Cup final will be held on September 26 when Miami will take on Houston Dynamo at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.