Lionel Messi's classy gesture caught on camera after helping Inter Miami to another win
Lionel Messi helped Inter Miami beat Cincinnati by producing two assists and scoring a penalty
REUTERS
Lionel Messi showed his class after Inter Miami beat Cincinnati to make the final of the US Open Cup.
The 37-year-old produced two assists in a thrilling 3-3 draw before his team emerged victorious following a dramatic penalty shootout.
And CBS Sports then published footage of Messi consoling the son of fellow Argentine Luciano Acosta in the wake of his side's win.
The youngster looked miserable after his dad's defeat but Messi embraced him with a huge smile on his face.
Lionel Messi consoled a young child after Inter Miami beat Cincinatti
CBSSPORTS
The former Barcelona and PSG star also gave the youngster some words of encouragement, while he was also snapped exchanging shirts with United States international Brandon Vazquez.
Messi signed his pink jersey and was more than happy to accommodate Vazquez's request.
Inter Miami have often struggled ever since they were created by former Manchester United star David Beckham.
Yet they're now through to a second final, having recently won the Leagues Cup.
Messi has been nothing short of sensational since his win, scoring 10 goals and clocking up three assists from eight matches.
Miami appeared to be heading to defeat against Cincinnati after falling 2-0 down.
But consecutive assists from Messi, including one in the 97th minute of the match, forced extra time.
Josef Martinez then put Miami ahead, only for Yuya Kubo to send the match to penalties.
Messi went first in the shootout and showed nerves of steel to dispatch his effort calmly.
And Inter Miami scored all of their penalties to reign supreme, with Nick Hagglund missing from 12 yards.
Messi's side will now face off against Houston Dynamo in the final next month after their own 3-1 win over Real Salt Lake.
Reacting to the win on social media, Beckham said: “Another great night in pink. A great performance from the team to reach another final.
"Very proud.”
Inter Miami boss Tata Martino has admitted he could give Messi a rest soon to ensure his talisman is prepared for big matches ahead.
“You have to take into account the large number of games that we played in 45, 50 days," he said.
"Leo and many other players are reaching an important physical limit and from today we will start to evaluate this."
Meanwhile, Inter Miami star Leo Campana has revealed the way Messi inspired his side's latest triumph.
“He [Messi] told us to have faith,” he stated.
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Inter Miami have been benefitting from Lionel Messi ever since his summer arrival
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“He told us that we were going to win. That after all the work we’d done on the field, that we would never fail. It’s the kind of leader he is — he wants to speak in every game, every training, every championship match.”
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