In the semifinals of the Open Cup, Inter Miami defeated FC Cincinnati 3-2 after regulation thanks to two assists from Lionel Messi.

On Wednesday night, Lionel Messi demonstrated his dual humanity and superhumanity. He played the first 70 minutes of the game without contributing much, but in the 97th minute, he helped Miami score their first and second goals.

Penalties and additional time followed. Messi and Miami put on a tough and captivating performance, with teenager Benjamin Cremaschi nailing the game-winning penalty in the sudden-death round after the 120 minutes of play ended in a 3-3 draw.

Since his mid-summer arrival, Messi has scored or assisted for the Herons in eight straight games, and he has already assisted them in reaching their second cup final.

On the strength of Messi’s wizardry once more, the Herons have advanced to the Open Cup final. Miami was regarded as the weakest MLS team before to his arrival (and they now sit at the bottom of the league rankings), but they are now a must-watch blockbuster feature at every game.

The Herons have changed thanks to Tata Martino and Lionel Messi.

He will have the chance to win his 45th trophy for both club and nation in the Open Cup final.

This Saturday, the Herons will attend Lionel Messi’s opening regular-season game at Red Bull Arena.