Lionel Messi produced yet more magic for Inter Miami, inspiring his new club to a place in the US Open Cup final with another moment of individual brilliance during the final seconds of the match.
Cincinnati were 2-0 up by the 53rd minute thanks to goals from Luciano Acosta and Brandon Vazquez, but Inter Miami pulled a goal back 15 minutes later when Messi’s free-kick was headed home by Leonardo Campana.
With the clock ticking down to full-time, Messi pulled a rabbit out the hat, sending an inch-perfect pass into the six-yard box for Campana to finish.
It was a majestic assist from Messi, who now has a remarkable 13 goal involvements (10 goals, three assists) from his first eight appearances for the club.
The legendary Argentine forward inspired Inter Miami to their first ever trophy last weekend, in the form of the Leagues Cup, and has now given his new employers a golden opportunity to add more silverware to their collection next month.
Inter Miami will face Houston Dynamo in this year’s US Open Cup final on September 27, and David Beckham’s club will surely be the favourites heading into that game with Messi in this unstoppable form.
photo 1
Messi sends commentator wild with stunning assist
The 36-year-old’s second assist against Cincinnati was so good that he made excitable co-commentator Ray Hudson lose his head. Watch the footage below:
Hudson, who has provided some of the best quotes about Messi over the years, screamed as the ball hit the back of the net and then shouted: “The madness of Messi arrives! Astonishing pass! He doesn’t pull rabbits out of his magic hat, he pulls kangaroos!”
The 68-year-old Geordie added: “But again Lionel Messi drops that kind of a beer into the shot glass at the other end of the bar in a different village! Astonishing in his accuracy. Look at this pass, people! He bends light to find him. He takes everything into consideration, including the planets around the sun. Messi, where the impossible becomes the easy. Where the magical becomes the predictable! Pulls it out of the fire.”
Messi’s pass deserved epic commentary and Hudson duly provided it. That was special.
Footage of Messi’s assist from the stands
Meanwhile, the following two videos from the stands further highlight the laser-guided brilliance of Messi’s pass. Check out the incredible footage below:
Did you spot Messi’s bodyguard prowling the touchline on the last clip? He hasn’t let the World Cup winner out of his sight since Beckham appointed him.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings