FC Cincinnati pulled off a stunning upset over Inter Miami CF and Lionel Messi in the U.S. Open Cup semifinal on Wednesday night, winning 3-2 at TQL Stadium.
The hosts took a 2-0 lead in the first half thanks to goals by Luciano Acosta and Brandon Vazquez, who both capitalized on defensive errors by Miami.
Messi, who had scored 10 goals in his first seven matches for Inter Miami, was largely contained by Cincinnati’s defense and did not have many clear chances to score.
Inter Miami pulled one back in the 67th minute when Gonzalo Higuain headed in a cross from Rodolfo Pizarro, setting up a tense finale.
Cincinnati restored their two-goal cushion in the 81st minute when Haris Medunjanin curled in a free kick from the edge of the box, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Miami did not give up and scored again in stoppage time when Pizarro volleyed in a rebound from close range, but it was too little too late for the visitors.
The final whistle sparked wild celebrations among Cincinnati players and fans, who had witnessed their team reach the U.S. Open Cup final for the first time in their history.
Cincinnati will face the winner of Thursday’s semifinal between Seattle Sounders and Sporting Kansas City in the final, which will be held on September 29.
Inter Miami, meanwhile, will have to regroup and focus on their MLS campaign, where they are currently fourth in the Eastern Conference.
