Stop reading this if you have heard this before: Lionel Messi wins an award.
Among all of his accomplishments, Messi can add the TheCup.us’ Player of the Round for the 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Semifinals to his resume.
Messi won the award over the Houston Dynamo’s Amine Bassi (who had a record-tying 3 assists vs. RSL), and his Inter Miami teammate Leonardo Campana. Campana scored twice, including a late equalizer in second half stoppage time. Both goals were assisted by Messi.
The Player of the Round award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters, and select backers of TheCup.us on Patreon (donors that pledge $10 or more).
How did Messi fare in Inter Miami’s the Semifinal? He completed 85% of his passes, had five successful dribbles, completed all his long passes, and chipped in twice defensively winning both of his tackles. But the headlines of the night were his two assists. The first was a 68th minute equalizer to Campana, and then his wonder pass to assist Campana’s second goal seven minutes into stoppage time to get Miami into extra time where they would eventually win on penalties. Of course, Messi converted on his team’s first penalty kick in the shootout.
Messi ▶️ Campana to put us on the board! #CINvMIA | 2-1 pic.twitter.com/We41VuhFYs
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 24, 2023
Messi’s performance may have left something to be desired, but the #MagicCityMagician knows how to place his stamp on the game at the right moments. There is no doubt that Inter Miami’s recent signings have shouldered the load since their arrival, none has done more that Argentine superstar. Messi was about thirty yards from frame when he saw an opportunity that no one else in the stadium could have fathomed. His chipped cross landed right in the path of Campana who made no mistake with his header in the seventh minute of stoppage time.
Since Messi’s arrival and first match against Cruz Azul (Liga MX) on July 21, Miami is undefeated in all contests. Their only dropped points came as a result of scoreless draw at home against a tough Nashville side they already bested in the Leagues Cup. To say that Messi has changed Miami supporters belief in what can be completed this season, is an understatement. At the time of writing, Miami is six points behind the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with two games in hand. While running the table may not be necessary for entry, every club in the Eastern Conference will be dreading a matchup with Miami when the MLS Playoffs arrive.
Otro más de Leo para Leo en el minuto 97! ???????? pic.twitter.com/5n5JMsjS1T
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 24, 2023
The Messi factor has also spilled its way into the greater South Florida area. Local stores and online retailers have found it nearly impossible to keep up with the demand for Miami kits. The MLS Messi nameplate is nearly impossible to find. On a national level, CBS Sports’ has reported that their coverage of the Semifinal match was the sixth-most streamed match ever on their platform. It’s worth noting that CBS Sports (Paramount+), is the current rights holder for Serie A and the UEFA Champions League. Add to those figures Telemundo’s Spanish coverage, and with the game broadcast in more than 100 countries worldwide, it is without a doubt the most viewed US Open Cup match of all-time.
The 2023 US Open Cup run is still not over. Miami will host Houston on Sept. 27 at DRV PNK Stadium. Can Messi secure the United States’ oldest soccer trophy? Will the cup final be the most streamed fixture in the US? Only time will tell, but Miami will be a force to be reckoned with and should be the odds-on favorite to lift the Lamar Hunt Trophy.