FC Cincinnati player asks Lionel Messi to sign his shirt moments after losing Cup semi-final

Lionel Messi was asked to sign a FC Cincinnati player's shirt just moments after losing the US Open Cup semi-final to Inter Miami.

Messi guided Inter to a second cup final following another penalty shoot-out win which preceded a thrilling 3-3 draw with Cincinnati at the TQL Stadium.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner was unable to add to his sublime tally of 10 goals since joining the Herons, who found themselves 2-0 down.

But he came up clutch by delivering two stunning assists for Ecuadorian striker Leonardo Campana - including an outrageous cross to level matters in the 97th minute and force extra time.

Josef Martinez put Inter ahead but Yuya Kubo made it 3-3 in the 111th minute and the clash went all the spot-kicks, where Gerardo Martino's side prevailed by scoring all five.

Messi dispatched his and after Drake Callender saved from Nick Hagglund, Benjamin Cremaschi put away the winner.

Afterwards, the 36-year-old swapped shirts with compatriot and goalscorer Luciano Acosta, sticking to his strict rule.

However, he has also had a request from Brandon Vazquez, also on the scoresheet for Cincinnati.

The United States international was seen embracing Messi after the full-time whistle and approached him with a sharpie marker in hand.

He then handed Messi the pen and held out his shirt, with the Barcelona legend happy to sign the jersey - even if his bodyguard was right there as per usual.

Vazquez didn't even wait for the tunnel to ask Messi to sign his shirt got now has a signed memento that he will cherish forever.

FC Dallas players bombarded Messi with photography requests after a previous penalty shoot-out defeat, while a cleaner was fired from his job after one shift for asking Messi for an autograph.

He got his Argentina shirt signed by Messi but because he didn't remain professional, he was sacked immediately.

Inter will take on Houston Dynamo in the US Open Cup final on 27 September but focus will now turn to the return of the MLS, which Messi is yet to debut in.

Featured Image Credit: CBS Sports

Topics: Lionel Messi, MLS, Inter Miami

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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