Lionel Messi continues Inter Miami revival after thrilling US Open victory to reach final

Lionel Messi continued to lead Inter Miami's revival by providing two assists in another thrilling victory, this time from two goals down to beat Cincinnati 5-4 on penalties after their US Open Cup semi-final ended 3-3 after extra-time.

Prior to Messi's arrival, Miami were on an 11-match winless run but are now unbeaten in eight since the Argentine superstar was brought into the team, which includes winning the Leagues Cup for the first trophy in Miami's short history.

Now Messi has the chance to add more silverware after guiding Miami past Cincinnati and into the US Open final, where they will face Houston Dynamo – 3-1 winners over Real Salt Lake in the other semi-final.

The US Open Cup is the oldest and most important knockout competition in US football, dating back more than a century to 1914 and is similar to England's FA Cup or Spain's Copa del Rey.

A month ago Cincinnati, who are top of Major League Soccer's standings while Miami are bottom, would have been clear favourites in this game, but the Florida team are now a very different side since the arrival of Messi and his former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. The appointment of ex-Barcelona manager Gerardo 'Tata' Martino has also made a significant difference.

But in the intense heat, Miami's unbeaten run with Messi looked to be coming to an end in Ohio against an impressive Cincinnati side.

Inter trailed 2-0 with 22 minutes remaining before the Argentine delivered two perfect assists to striker Leonardo Campana to take the game into extra-time.

Messi's compatriot Luciano Acosta put Cincinnati ahead in the 18th minute and American striker Brandon Vazquez doubled the home side's lead with a fine strike from the edge of the box in the 53rd