Footage caught Lionel Messi consoling Cincinnati star’s son after assist helps Inter Miami to another final
Lionel Messi consoled a Cincinnati player's son after knocking them out of the US Open Cup before signing another's shirt.
Messi was once again on top form as he set up two goals in a thrilling 3-3 draw between Inter Miami and Cincinnati in the US Open Cup semi-final.
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The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner then converted his penalty as Inter went on to win 5-4 on penalties to potentially win more silverware since his arrival.
Last week, Messi scored in a 1-1 draw against Nashville in the Leagues Cup final before winning on penalties.
This time, the World Cup winner was once again on top form - but what he did after the match proves his sportsmanship as well as his undisputed talent.
Cincinnati star and fellow Argentine Luciano Acosta's son was on the pitch looking fairly miserable after watching his dad lose in the semi-final.
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Messi came over and consoled the youngster, gave him a pat on the head and some reassuring words, though the boy was still down in the dumps.
But that was not the only player he spoke to of the other team, with another making a beeline for the legendary star.
This time, United States international Brandon Vazquez toddled over and asked Messi if he could sign his shirt.
The 36-year-old happily obliged, grabbing a pen and writing his name on the kit as he has done countless times before.
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However, it might be understandable to fanboy over a fellow professional when sharing a pitch with Messi and there is no doubt that he has raised the profile of the MLS since arriving.
Despite only playing eight times for Inter Miami, he has already scored 10 times and provided three assists.
And two of those assists came on Wednesday night in typical dramatic fashion, the second of the two coming in the 97th minute to send the match to extra-time.
With seconds left on the clock, Messi delivered an inch-perfect ball into the box with jaw-dropping accuracy and precision, right on Leo Campana's head, who had a simple task of nodding home.
The first assist came from a free-kick near the corner flag, again, delivered right on Campana's head when Inter Miami were 2-0 down.
As the match went to extra-time, Josef Martinez made it 3-2 to Inter Miami in what looked like an incredible comeback before Yuya Kubo sent the match to penalties with a 114th-minute strike.
Messi stepped up and converted his as the first penalty-taker for Inter Miami, who did not miss any of their five efforts.
Nick Hagglund saw his poor effort easily saved, giving Benjamin Cremaschi the chance to win the match, which he coolly did.
Inter Miami will face Houston Dynamo in the final next month after their 3-1 win over Real Salt Lake.
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