Messi assists twice as Inter Miami win on penalties to reach US Open Cup final

• Messi and co rally from 2-0 down to advance in Open Cup semi
• Argentinian fails to score for first time since joining club in July
• Miami one win from domestic double after Leagues Cup win

Lionel Messi had two assists and converted a penalty kick as Inter Miami rallied from a two-goal deficit and beat MLS-leading Cincinnati 5-4 in penalties in a US Open Cup semi-final on Wednesday night.

Cincinnati jumped to a 2-0 lead before Messi set up a pair of goals by Leonardo Campana, tying the game at two apiece. Miami moved ahead when Josef Martinez scored three minutes into the first extra period, but Cincinnati tied the game at three when Yuya Kubo scored in the 114th minute, forcing a penalty shootout.